TBDBITL - The Navy Hymn - Eternal Father, Strong to Save

[jamesthatcher79]

Every University Marching Band has it's own traditions. The Skull Session is probably one of the better known in Ohio, however OU110 has a few pre-game things they do, as does the BGSU FMB. My school the University of Toledo Rocket Marching Band has several traditions (regardless of outcome of the game). One of my favorite when I was active was the playing of "Let us break bread together" after every game, it was something that we did to show unity to the corps, our school, & to the other team.

[Clanky159]

I played this last year with my band! No singing though. WE played this as 7th graders. Obviously a less complicated version, maybe an easy high school piece... Beautiful!!!!

[speakswahilidammit]

My father, World War Two hero in the British Royal Navy, who died young (48 years old) because of what happened to him in the war, loved the Americans, and particularly the US Navy. He also loved this hymn.

[akarpowicz]

Very nice. thanks for posting.

[ezspock]

Beautifully done, I had shivers and tears while watching it. What a tribute to the men and women of the Navy.

[navmark77]

I grew up near Ohio State but attended the Naval Academy. A beautiful rendition used to be sung by the Chapel Choir every Sunday, but when I went back to Navy a few years ago it was missing from the service. Hopefully it was just missing that one Sunday. I love the Ohio State arrangement, and the fact that the band both sings and plays the hymn. Thanks for posting this; I must admit to getting a little choked up while listening.

[ScottyUrb]

This is such a wonderful tradition! Though I'm a U-M fan, echo the sentiments of mitrumpetplaya and am very glad to see this.

God bless our troops, their families, our President, and our nation!

[Takaheemuranastope]

@ScottyUrb See, on occasion we Buckeyes and Wolverines HAVE to remember some things. I totally agree with you, God bless America. God bless Ohio State. And yes, God bless Michigan. Have a nice day :) See you in November ;)

[dan58tam59]

Love my buckeyes......but love the US Navy and all who serve this great land even more......

[al7mi4bukhan]

My God be honored!

[radiootoo]

December 7, 2010: Remember Pearl Harbor!

[mitrumpetplaya]

As a dedicated Illini fan, I hate your football team. But as an alum of the Marching Illini, I have nothing but respect and admiration for TBDBITL. You guys are one of maybe 5 bands that can give the MI a run for its money.

[LilGrey456]

Thanks for the upload my brother is in the marching band!

[speakswahilidammit]

I'm from an old Royal Navy family. My dad was a war hero, & survived with a very few men the sinking of his ship en route to Murmansk in WW2. He loved the US Navy, & went to the Antarctic with your Vice Admiral Evelyn Byrd before the war. He also loved the music! Please see my video.

[Tressel12]

The skull session is an Ohio State term: to enhance

the band's performance, members completely memorize music before each week's game. By doing this bandsmen could concentrate more on the marching maneuvers without sacrificing the music.

Weigel then scheduled a final rehearsal of the music before game time so the band could play and think through the show one last time - one last "Skull Session."

It has become a great Ohio State tradition before home football games

[moisiemo]

Excuse my ignorance as a non-USA citizen, but what is a skull session?

I must say I am impressed with the harmony singing by the band - and what a huge band! Is this from one school/college?

[speakswahilidammit]

I'm from an old Royal Navy family. This hymn, beautifully sung here, is the most evocative, beautiful & haunting sound I know. I remember my poor Dad singing it in the Tanganyika, before he succumbed to malaria when I was five. He wasn't strong enough to survive the illness, due to injuries in the winter of 1942, when his Royal Navy Corvette was sunk by the Luftwaffe in the North Sea. He & seven others survived from a crew of 68. It caught up with him in Tanganyika. Pictures on my video.

[madmanxman01]

I think you all need a lesson in the origins of this hymn!!

Here's what Wiki says...

The original hymn was written by William Whiting of Winchester, England, in 1860. It was originally intended as a poem for a student of his, who was about to travel to the United States. In 1861, John B. Dykes, an Anglican clergyman, composed the tune "Melita" for this hymn. "Melita" is an archaic term for Malta, an ancient seafaring nation.

Many other nations use it as their "Naval Hymn" - not just USA

[picker38]

I think this is the warm up before the Navy game. I remember it well. A great game. We almost lost. it.

[buckeyenutz05]

@picker38 We use it as a warm up at every game. I was in the OSUMB for 5 years, the OSU vs. Navy Skull Sessions was one of my favorites because we got to preform the Navy Hymn with the Navy there...def sang through some lumps in my throat

[alanespinney]

Don't let the Glee Club find out that the band can sing so well 8-)

[JpoidMikeru]

I like the dedication they show in their music.

[evilsoda00]

Dr. Woods forever!

[mitrumpetplaya]

One Saturday per year, we're on opposite sides. But the other 364 days, I have nothing but respect for you guys. I only need one hand to count the bands that can give the Marching Illini a run for its money, and OSU is one of them.

[deltadude61]

Nice vibs!

U.S. Navy Retired

[MrAmbf1234]

this is beautiful and with all my respects to OSU's band. they are amazing performers. but Purdue's ALL AMERICAN MARCHING BAND is the original and true BEST DAMN BAND IN THE LAND!!! lol

BOILER UP!

[GLHStrumpet]

@MrAmbf1234 never. OSUMB will always be The Best Damn Band In The Land. never purdue

[LilGrey456]

My brother is in the OSU Marching Band!

[SevenTailedWolf72]

we are playing this in band

[GLHStrumpet]

magnificent!

[Ilsimeone]

this music was also played at JFK's funeral

[Egdirnam]

Thank God there is going to be a resurrection! All will live again. Thank you Jesus!

[dasboten]

Yay god!

[Dustinatus]

very impressive

[pilsiurlday]

This is a hymn t o all the men and women who 'went down to the sea in ships' More men were lost in the Merchant Navy in WW2 than any other service.

God Bless em all

[jbodner13]

If you ever get a chance to come to a skull session and see TBDBITL live, it will blow you away. Sit in front; the wall of sound will leave your jaw dropped. Remember, it's all about the band.

[beerstudd76]

I've said it once so I'll say it again - Suck it, ACLU.

[midgetbeast31]

OSU plays this very Skull session

[kirkoa]

The OSU band played this again during the skull session of Saturday while the Navy drum and bugle corps stood at attention about 30 feet away. WOW...I was choked up! The whole game was just awesome with all of the videos from soldiers in Iraq, the tribute to the National Guard and the sergeant who was awarded the Purple Heart, the flyover....awesome.

[Blue112488]

I always get goosebumps when i hear this song, I leave for Navy boot camp May 18 2010....GO NAVY!

[mmathis131]

best of luck to you and thank you! My son just graduated from Navy boot camp this past Thursday - I am a very proud Navy mom!

GO NAVY!

[Trafalgar1961]

Best wishes to you, Blue.

[ImA1032]

May you have fair winds and following seas. Thanks for stepping up and answering the call.

[konagoat]

I always liked the Navy. They paid us on time and had really neat boats to ride in.

Art McMahon---Mentor High 1956  USMC 1957/60

[stevenstreets3]

Welcome to Columbus Navy. Good luck and have a great time while your'e here this weekend. Feel free to turn the SEALs loose on any of our college hooligans that dont respect your service .

OSU34 Navy 10

[jsmit90]

From a rabid University of Georgia bulldog

alumnus and fan. You guys have all of us beat on this one. Great arrangement and performance - A+++++ the best.

[rockymtnrob65]

AMadN12: I'm sure that if you compared the Navy Glee Club's singing of "Carmen Ohio", their version would not be as good as ours. Obviously a college's own chorus is going to perform it better--it means more to them. Duh.

[PABoi00]

SWEET SOUND!

[NJFordPops08005]

What is a Skull Session?

[N605TW]

The Skull Session is the last rehearsal before the game. It is held in St. John Arena two hours before kickoff.

[beerstudd76]

Suck it, ACLU. Seriously, choke on it.

[casherago]

could anyone tell me if this arrangment is published and if so who is the composer/arranger? thanks for any help!

[sdrawkcabevad]

I believe it's arranged by Ken McCoy who is a staff arranger for the Ohio State Marching Band. It was written specifically for the band, so I doubt it's commercially available. If you wanted to check you could call the band office (614) 292-2598.

[casherago]

Thanks so much. You've been a huge help! I'll check with them and see what they say.

[sdrawkcabevad]

With all due respect, sir, I think your comments are a little off base. I have no way of knowing what your basis of musical knowledge is, but I'd like to offer a couple of points. First, you like the performance of the band, which tells me the conductor has done his job in rehearsal - where it counts! Second, the man you are belittling is Dr. Jon R. Woods, who is very highly regarded in both collegiate marching band and music education circles. He has held his post for more than 25 years.

[hoying]

25 as director, 10 as assistant director for a grand 35 years with the OSUMB

[sdrawkcabevad]

I was a member of the percussion section for a few years and playing and singing this song was one of my favorite things to do in the band. I remember one game in particular, just after the USS Cole was bombed, when it was difficult to get the words out past the lump in my throat.

[akarpowicz]

AHA!  I see in earlier comments the reason why this hymn is played. Thanks

[akarpowicz]

Really fabulous. Thanks for posting. I'd never attend a football game so I'd never see this band except on youtube. How did OSU come to choose this Hymn in particular? Whatever the reason, glad they did!

[hakimike]

I have been to many a skull session, and always love it when they play this. About 4-5 years ago, they played it when I took my dad to a game. He is an old WWII Navy vet, and when the first notes sounded, up he went, pulling me up with him. Off when his hat, and the old fella stood at attention the best he could during the song. Needless to say,I now do the same, every time, out of respect for my dad and country.

Thanks for posting this Hoying.

[DonBasilio46]

Very nice arrangement and orchestration.I wish I could say such nice words about the conductor too, but I can't. Mirroring movements most of the time, a mere time beating, no gestures to help the band,let alone his peculiar standing. But fortunately despite this conductor the band sounds quite good.

[billymike13]

It's a marching band, not an orchestra. Settle down, son.

[brandylynnt]

its a marching band not a orchestra dumbass..

[whamfan87]

Kick Madisons butt next week guys. Great video, very very glad its online

[ro876]

Wow. That's nice!

[oermyshldr]

To think that these kids sang and then played the Navy Hymn is proof to me that they ARE TBDBITL. Is there another college marching band that can top this? I cry everytime I hear them perform this.

[123laconga]

Beautiful

[stormywindmill]

What an inspiring rendition of this great hymn, Thank you so much

[durkathing88]

GO NAVY!

[xolilmama456xo]

a fine performance of the navy hymn, but would like to hear it in full. still gives me the chills. god bless those men and women still in uniform and the rich heritage of the u.s.navy.. a big hoo-rah to the fellow members of the navy seals.

[bilt1958]

your welcome, william Thrasher U S N Team 1 udt san juan puerto rico 1980

[chiago]

Love the hymn.. great choir... and BAND! Those who find fault with this are pretty

weak! ALL the best to the band. James

[hoying]

Comments are for the music, performed by a marching band, who sings a verse halfway through the song. Please do not use this wall for pointing fingers and claiming rights; it's not the purpose of why I posted this video.

[marescors]

thank you!

[Sirknight1797]

Hmmmm..... So its just the first verse! I take it the rest is not important?

[N605TW]

The Ohio State Marching Band is in fact, a marching band not a choir, the fact that they sung the first verse makes this performance even more special.

[oldscout379]

And they sing their instruments parts.Yoice equivalent oo 2nd trumpet, 3rd trombone, etc,etc,This further re-inforces the 'Skull" aspect of the session. Players who have played wrong notes have been known to HAVE to acknowledge the error and apologize to their bandmates in following week sessions.

[Rexpilot0990]

Weird. I don't remember that last part at all.

[buckeyenutz05]

not quite. We just sing a simple Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass parts. We don't apologize for mistakes exactly, we call each other out, and those of us who make mistakes do a penalty drill, they suck...we've all done them. Whats nice is the older I get the less I have had to do.

[rascal711]

Excellent British Naval Hymn

[cameroti]

And United States Naval Hymn too. Both services adopted it around the same time, if I remember correctly.

Apparently the French have their own words to it now too. Unexpected.

[chiangbang]

Why is this song played? Do the schools have any roots with the sea?

[hoying]

The hymn is played as a continuation of the band's military tradition - the ROTC and the band were tied together until 1952 - the uniforms are based off of a 1920's ROTC uniform, which are inspected before every game. The hymn is also in honor of those who served in the armed services - there's been times where you see a grown man reduced to tears while that song is played, but back to the point; as I said, it's a continuation of the military tradition of the band as far as I know.

[welthawood]

I am so there with you on the people who keep walking by. And on the chatter and noise. Sheesh--no wonder way too many Europeans think we are a tribe of savages over here...

[someonespadre]

1) who are the knuckleheads who keep walking by?

2) what's with all the incessant chatter in the background while they are performing?

no one seems to have any semblence of manners anymore.

[hoying]

aaaaaaaaaaaagreed. every skull session.

[playasliveon]

What is a skull session?

[hoying]

Two hours prior to kickoff to a home football game, The OSU Marching Band performs in the Skull Session. With roots all the way back to 1932, the Skull Session is a concert/pep rally that usually fills the arena, with many fans arriving up to two hours prior to the band's entrance just to get a good seat for the band's performance. The Skull Session typically features the Buckeye band along with the visiting school's marching band and sometimes even a local high school. (wikipedia)

[chengloki]

Hoying, a magnificent performance!! In your last post, you mentioned men who were reduced to tears. I am not ashamed to admit, I am one of them. A retired sea warrior. =Stefan=

[notyobs]

Excellent!

[JSB1983]

They sing VERY well!

[seruzawa]

How dare a public universiyy play a religious hymn? Call the ACLU! LOL! Three cheers to these guys for sticking it in the eye of the fascists.

[krazione32]

dude!!!!!!

thats so frickin awesome!!!!!!!!

more like amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

im playing this at the next concert in wind ensemble. but our band is only like 20 members. i wish we could do that.

[bearsfan16]

im playing it in a brass ensemble w/ 5 people in it....

[derjillnoun]

I am no fan of Buckeye Football. However, members of Ohio State Marching Band could play good music and sing very well. I'm impressed.

[slappy1234567]

Great!

[irontoad123]

what is a "skull session"

sounds demonic

ps Im not a US human

[buckeyeman574574]

Ohio State's marching band does a pep rally before every home football game, and its called 'skull session.' This is one of the band's warm-up songs.

[irontoad123]

thanks

I always try to find out musical usage words from other countries. saves you getting embarrased.

eg you never root for a team here.

root=fucking

[breathein4luck15]

LOL, good to know. :]

[jhulslander]

Before performing at a home Ohio State Football game, the band gets one last chance to practice their pre game and half time show.  Since they don't use music sheets, they have to make sure that the music is memorized or stuck in their skull. This is why they call it skull session.

Over the years, it is a very popular event to attend pre kickoff and has become a bit of a pep rally as noted elsewhere.

[irontoad123]

Thanks for the responce. I always like to know the real meaning behind expression like that, We tend to use American terms and expressions without knowing what they really mean.

[chiago]

excellent... a favorite hymn! james

[chiefymike]

Who are these disrespectful morons walking around, wearing their hats and talking during the Navy Hymn?

[SR61]

Damn right Chief.

[woodyhayes47]

They use this song as a warm up....there's nothing corney about it. I'm sure the Navy will forgive tbdbitl for using cymbals.

[acapellaman129]

You sir, are a douche.

[kekuespert]

I absolutely love this arrangement. I'm marrying a Navy officer and this is so being played during the ceremony!

[Twil1ghT]

Uh... it's generally played when they die... just thought you might want to know that.

[cameroti]

That's generally played at any Navy religious related service. Sunday Service, Mass, Funerals. And, kekuespert, it is a lovely hymn to have played at a wedding. Congratulations.

[chadastanley]

I march for NSU spartan Legion band and I love OSU program.. Beautiful keep it up.. One of my favs.

[railroader500]

I'm in the SMB at MSU, but when I went to OSU, I looked forward to this. One of my favorites too. I also like their alma mater.

[DestinyHero06]

You guys sounded great by the way. Without a doubt the two best bands were at that particular skull session.

[grant135a]

It's a college marching band, for crying out loud. If you want to nit pick, how about quads and snares banging during a hymn?

[LEOPARDTWO]

We remember all those young men on the USS Arizona! God Bless Them All!

[WRWidg2003]

This makes me very proud to be a US NAVY VET. I've never heard it played anymore beautiful than this. Very emotional for me.  THANK YOU

[oldscout379]

Absolutely, but a very close second was the Midshipmen's chorale singing in Chapel services at Annapolis

[AMadN12]

go to a naval academy glee club concert and hear their version, much better... sorry

[Corollaboi]

I love the tenor line of that song.

[Bemmott]

anybody have a kleenex ...

[Theo80126]

That was BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for posting this.

[zprofit]

Absolutely beautiful! The glorious sound of an ALL-BRASS BAND!None Better(period).

[exultatedeo]

This tune is my college's Alma Mater. I LOVE IT! I am a music major it is truly rare to find a bacd that can read music vocally! LOVED it!

[Mapleholic]

actually it's my HS alma mater but different words

[crashoveride1288]

i know they played this at the cincinnati game, since thats the only skull session i went to all year

[DCHSMusicMan]

The Navy Hymn - Eternal Father, Strong to Save

[hoying]

thanks!

[DestinyHero06]

noice

[ambuckeye]

I think it's probably from the Indiana game--it looks like the Marching 100 in the back.

[hoying]

good call, i really didn't look at that close; just picked the best sounding version i had