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The school's Alma Mater, "Hark The Sound", is the oldest song of the University. Adapted by William Starr Myers, a senior class member of the Glee Club in 1897, the Alma Mater is based on the popular tune, "Amici". It was first sung on June 2 of that year by a student, Francis A. Grudger, for a commencement concert in Gerrard Hall. The second and third verses were added in subsequent years, and in the early 1930's, the rousing choruses of "I'm a Tar Heel Born" were added. Recorded by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Marching Tar Heels by permission of the Alumni Association. Hark The Sound Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices
Originally used as a simple addition to the school's alma mater, "Hark The Sound," "I'm a Tar Heel Born" has grown in popularity since the early 1930's and now enjoys the status of Carolina's official school fight song. Recorded by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Marching Tar Heels by permission of the Alumni Association. I'm a Tar Heel Born I'm a Tar Heel born
In addition to "Tar Heels on Hand", the year 1938 brought to Carolina another of the great march tunes, the "Carolina Victory March". The song was written by Robert McManeus ('38), a trombonist in the band. Although the Victory song is traditionally played after a Tar Heel triumph, McManeus wrote the song after watching the Tar Heels lose to Duke one rainy afternoon. His prophetic words "There'll be a Carolina Victory" rang true; the song was first sung at a Friday night pep rally before the Tar Heels defeated Virginia Polytechnic Institute the next day. Recorded by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Marching Tar Heels by permission of the Alumni Association. Carolina Victory There'll be a Carolina victory
In the fall of 1924, "Here Comes Carolina" was written and composed by Lonnie Sides ('26) and head cheerleader Vic Huggins ('25). After teaching the residents of the newly-constructed women's dormitory (Spencer) the song, all students joined in a special cheering section at Emerson Field for football games. Recorded by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Marching Tar Heels by permission of the Alumni Association. Here Comes Carolina Here comes Carolina-lina
Both verses of "Tar Heels on Hand" were written by the famous big-band leader Kay Kyser ('27) for an appearance on the Bing Crosby show in 1937. Fellow alumnus John Scott Trotter, Bing Crosby's orchestra leader, composed the catchy 6/8 tune and accompaniment. The following year, the song was given to the University as an official school song. Kyser, a former head cheerleader at UNC, is also recognized for writing "The Woody Woodpecker Song" for the 1940's cartoon. Recorded by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Marching Tar Heels by permission of the Alumni Association. Tar Heels on Hand Tar Heels on Hand,
The only school song that was not composed by a Carolina student or alumnus is "North Carolina", written in 1963 by the North Carolina Department of Tourism. The song extols the beauty of the state with a lively tune; recognizing the song's appropriateness at the flagship university of the State, the band acquired the song in 1964 and has performed it ever since. Recorded by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Marching Tar Heels by permission of the Alumni Association. North Carolina North Carolina, friendly mountain breezes
The current fight song for North Carolina is "Tar Heel Born, Tar Heel Bred," which became the Univeristy's official fight song in 19xx. Prior to this, the official fight song was Carolina Fight Song. The old fight song is still played at sporting events, however, and has recently seen an increase in popularity among students and alumni alike. Carolina Fight Song Carolina Carolina Fight! for N.C.U. |
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