The West Point Band is proud to release three newly reimagined recordings of traditional West Point favorites, now available on all major streaming platforms. These songs will take you through the full experience of an Army football game—from the first whistle to the final moments on the field. From old grads to current cadets, these beloved melodies have connected generations, but you’ve never heard them quite like this before!
The bold and cinematic reworking of “On, Brave Old Army Team,” arranged by Sgt. 1st Class Noah Taylor, breathes new life into a song that’s been rallying Army fans for over a century. In 1910, 1st Lt. Philip Egner—one of the West Point Band’s most influential figures and its best-known Teacher of Music—improvised the tune while walking back to his quarters after collaborating on a new cheer. He quickly scribbled the melody on his shirt cuff, and that impromptu moment became the fight song we know and love today. The West Point Band’s inspirational new arrangement will make you think about Army football in a whole new way!
With its upbeat ragtime style, Staff Sgt. Andrew Garcia’s take on “Slum and Gravy" offers a fun, nostalgic take on this time-honored Army song. "Slum and Gravy" was written in 1925 by three West Point cadets after a night out in New York, inspired by the operetta The Vagabond King. They adapted its tune, “The Song of the Vagabonds,” to create a new Army fight song, which later debuted on Broadway after Army’s victory over Navy that year. These days, “Slum and Gravy” is performed when the opposing team scores a touchdown— so with Army’s record, this may be your only chance to hear it this season!
Lastly, we turn to the Alma Mater. Though not solely a football song, it holds a special place in Army games, as cadets, alumni, and fans proudly sing it at the close of every match—preferably second. Originally composed by Cadet Paul Reinecke in 1911, this cherished classic has been beautifully reimagined by Sgt. 1st Class Geoff Vidal in a soulful rendition.
This recording project is particularly special because it marks the first time the West Point Band recorded in Krause Hall, our newly updated rehearsal space within the beautifully redesigned Egner Hall. The hall’s enhanced facilities allowed us to bring these reimagined tunes to life in a way that truly captures the spirit of West Point.
These recordings are available on streaming platforms like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and more. Be sure to check out the accompanying music videos on the West Point Band’s YouTube channel, and stay tuned for new holiday releases this December!
