Alma Mater, Henderson

The school’s Alma Mater, “Alma Mater, Henderson,” has endured for many years at the University. Adopted by President James W. Workman in 1929, he composed the words and melody for the song as he walked about the campus one day in 1929, during the last days of Henderson-Brown College. The arrangement was made by Frederick Harwood, Director of the Conservatory of Fine Arts; Paul Dewitt Shultz, Bachelor of Music, ’29; Eliza Harris Workman, Bachelor of Music, ’24.

Breathe, stalwart pine trees, mem’ries of living shadows;

Whisper, acorn bearers, from thy living fountains;

Beauty and friendship, eternal as the holly,

Into all they children, Alma Mater, Henderson!

Click to listen - Courtesy of the Henderson State Band

That Old Reddie Spirit  

Introduced in 1923 by cheerleader Anna Lee Chidister, this song is sung to the tune of  “That Old Time Religion” and is affectionately known as “The Reddie Hymn.” Originally the song was introduced because of a lack of school spirit being displayed at football games. At the time, cheerleaders were positioned at points throughout the bleachers to lead the fans in song. After the third refrain of, “Gimme that Old Reddie Spirit,” the next line of, ”It’s good enough for …..” was completed with the last name of various Reddie football players. Today, the song continues to be very popular and enjoys the status as Henderson’s official fight song.

Gimme that old Reddie Spirit

Gimme that old Reddie Spirit

Gimme that old Reddie Spirit

It’s good enough for (insert name).

Click to Listen - Courtesy of the Henderson State Band

B flat to G  

Though it does not officially contain any lyrics, “B flat to G” was originally arranged as a fanfare to “That Old Reddie Spirit,” to serve as modulation from one key to the other. It was played when the marching band would come on to the field before each game. Today, however, the fanfare is played after the marching band takes its place on the visitor side hill, overlooking Carpenter-Haygood Stadium. Gathered below, Reddie football players hold their helmets high, along with coaches and staff. This piece stirs the emotions of all those who have called Henderson home.

Click to Listen - Courtesy of the Henderson State Band