Brown University Alma Mater

Brown University traditions hold that two songs are sung at public events and gatherings related to the university. The traditional alma mater song was created in 1860 and a second school fight song was written in the 20th century.

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"Alma Mater"

The "Alma Mater" was written by James Andrews DeWolf (Class of 1861) in 1860, who named it "Old Brown" and set it to the tune of "Araby's Daughter" (which was later known as "The Old Oaken Bucket").[1] The song was renamed "Alma Mater", after the incipit, in 1869.[2] It is sung and played after varsity athletic victories and at formal events such as Convocation and Commencement.

"Ever True To Brown"

Brown's official fight song, "Ever True To Brown", was written by Donald Jackson (Class of 1909). The song is played by the Brown Band at varsity athletic events. An unofficial version with humorous alternate lyrics is played by the band as well.

References

  1. ^ Caroline C. Landau (2006). "The Man Behind the Song: James Andrew DeWolf and the Unlikely “Alma Mater”". http://dl.lib.brown.edu/pdfs/1172693698836875.pdf. Retrieved 2007-12-17. 
  2. ^ Mitchell, Martha. (1993). "Alma Mater." Encyclopedia Brunoniana

External links