Photo courtesy of Bari D, Flickr
Ramapo’s newly established Traditions Council is seeking submissions for its first-ever fight song. All students, faculty and alumni are welcome to send in lyrics that capture the spirit of Ramapo by Monday, Nov. 4.
The Tradition Council was formed in 2018 in celebration of Ramapo’s 50th anniversary. Made up of students, faculty and alumni, the council preserves existing traditions like Arching, and plans future traditions, such as a fight song to be played during Ramapo events and sports games.
“As we were considering what would be the next tradition at Ramapo, it was really unanimous among the group that we needed a fight song,” said Melissa Van Der Wall, Dean of Students and Chairperson of the Traditions Council.
“We also thought it would be a really fun competition to have during the 50th Anniversary,” Van Der Wall added.
When the idea for a fight song was introduced, the Traditions Council performed extensive research about how other schools organized their fight song contests regarding how they should set up their submission page and how to determine intellectual property rights.
The link for submissions and the competition’s guidelines are posted to Ramapo Athletics’ website. Contestants can upload their lyrics to the online form and email traditions@ramapo.edu an audio file featuring the contestant singing how the song should go.
The committee of judges includes Traditions Council members, music faculty and the President's Cabinet. Winners will be notified by the judges and will be publicly announced and revealed at the home basketball game on Feb. 5.
The contestant chosen will work with the pep band and its director, David Marks, to craft melodic music that goes with their lyrics.
Although Ramapo has an alma mater, the college has never had a spirit-enthused fight song to play during sports games and events, according to Van Der Wall.
“We really hope that it adds some spirit during games and in the stands,” said Rachel Pinton, director of sports information, marketing, and planning, who also serves on the Traditions Council.
As for the content of the songs, the council is open to all lyrics that capture Ramapo’s school spirit.
“We wanted to make sure that whatever they submit, it inspires enthusiasm among the collectives,” said Van Der Wall. “We want to make sure that it’s something that’s going to unite everybody at athletic contests, at large-scale gatherings at Ramapo. It doesn’t have to be limited to athletic contests.”
kbongard@ramapo.edu
