One of B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning experiments trained pigeons to play ping pong with each other.

Two freshman boys at the University of Maryland both took a psychology 101 class and learned about Skinner’s experiment. These two men, guitarist Jeremy Schon and vocalist Greg Ormont, loved the experiment so much they named a band after it.

“We started as acoustic duo called ‘Pigeons Playing Ping Pong,’ and we did open mic shows, coffee houses, etc.,” Schon said. “We had a lot of fun playing them.”

After a few years of sticking to a two-person band, Schon recruited high school pal Dan Schwartz for the drums and history class buddy Ben Carrey as a bassist and vocalist.

“We eventually started a full band sound and it evolved from there,” Schon said.

And that new band sound is described as a “high-energy psychedelic funk,” according to Schon.

Right after college graduation, the four got regular jobs.

“About three years ago, we took (the band on) full time and never looked back,” Schon said. “It’s always been a dream for us to do what we’re doing now and it’s amazing.”

As for Schon, the best part about being in a band is performing.

“Our live shows are very involved and very interactive. We like to go back and forth with the fans (since) the audience is very important to us,” Schon said.

PPPP is heavy on spontaneity as well. The band creates a completely unique setlist each night.

“We try to keep it as fresh as possible - you’ll never see the same show twice,” Schon said.

One of the band’s favorite shows was over the summer at the Peach Festival where PPPP played with bands like the Allman Brothers Band and Lotus.

“It was a dream come true to be playing with those artists that we worship, that we look up to,” Schon said.

As for the amount of shows, the band tries to get out Wednesday through Sunday. Since they’re located in Baltimore, they don’t have to drive too far to get to gigs.

“We’re pretty much always on the road, with Monday and Tuesday off at home,” Schon said.

That being said, they still love to travel the country.

“It’s cool to travel the country and play music with your best friends every day,” Schon said. “It’s fun playing music to our new fans that we make at the show and wherever we go.”

Some of his favorite fans are from Morgantown, W. Va. which is why they make the trip to this city.

“We absolutely love playing in Morgantown,” Schon said. “It’s always super rowdy and the fans there are awesome, especially this year with it being Halloween. We’re looking forward to see what Morgantown will bring.”

Currently, PPPP has four albums out. Its second, “Psychology,” is available to download for free on its website, http://pigeonsplayingpingpong.com/.

The show starts at 9 p.m. Thursday at 123 Pleasant Street and the band encourages audience members to wear their Halloween costumes. Tickets range from $10-$12.