During football games the band has off during the 3rd quarter.  This is a time to visit and chat with family members, other band members and get some food.  However, it is typical for some low brass members to stay in the stands or come back early and watch the game instead.  Afterall, our section probably enjoys the games more than anyone else!

 

During the 4th quarter of football games the low brass gets the rally caps started up (if our team needs it of course).  Everyone with a hat puts it on differently in hopes that our fashion statements will somehow will our team to victory.  It's been attempted at Raider and Lady Raider basketball games, but it doesn't seem to work in Heiges Fieldhouse

 

While not really a tradition, the Homecoming parade is a time to let loose in the parade block.  All other times we tend to be straight edged, but during Homecoming watch out for "Morgan State style" marching, foam finger pointing or other crazy antics from time to time.

 

Every year each section gets section t-shirts.  These shirts usually have a list of everyone in the section on the back and some design that pertains to the season or something that occured in band camp.  Past shirts have had mottos such as "Eh, We'll fix it tomorrow," and "Holy Ship Batman!"

 

Generally every year at some point during the season the section will make a run over to Pizzaman or order delivery and have a section dinner.  There is no set time to do this so it just happens whenever the best opportunity arises.

 

Three years in the works and three classic games make this an event that people want to watch at band camp.  It all started in 2003 when the Drumline challenged the Low Brass to a game of football since our sections were of equal size.  We agreed.  Low Brass won the first ever Drumline-Low Brass Pigskin Classic with a strong 2nd half effort to win 28-21.  In 2004 the game intensified.  Trailing 35-28 with 4 seconds to go and a 4th and goal on the 3 yard line, the Low Brass tied the game with a TD catch as time expired, forcing overtime!  Low Brass scored first in OT and held the drumline to an incomplete pass on a 4th and goal from the 4 yard line.  ESPN Classic material. Durring 2005, the Low Brass pulled through again for a three-peat. That's right, we've created a dynasty. The final score for 2005 game was 28-21 with Dave Carson as game MVP and Rachel Bruno as Jr. MVP. Comic relief was provided by Low Brass Head Coach Jason Mleczko. Officials serving were Low Brass' Matt O. and Drum Line's guest ref Paul. Special guest appearance by alumni member Bob "Carp" Carpenter. Traditionally the losing team throws a "Congratulations" party for the winning team at some decided date in someone's decided house. A trophy football is kept in possesion of the winning team until it is either stolen by the opposing team or until the next Annual Pigskin Classic.

 

As much as it pains us to say this, the IUP Low Brass section taught us this song during one of their previous visits to Ship.  We will admit though that it has become a staple of our section.  Granted it has some controversy surrounding it, since we played it for the College Park rowdies one year at Homecoming.  Since then we've been told that the original lyrics are not to be sung in the stands.  So we finally came up with NEW lyrics to this song.  Here are the complete lyrics...Ship style...

 

In Heaven there is no beer

That's why we drink it here

And when we are gone form here

All our friends will be drinking all our beer

 

<La la la verse to the same tune>

 

We are the SU Band

The greatest in the land

We have our own bread truck

And by the way IUP still sucks

 

We taught it to the Lock Haven Low Brass section in 2003 and spread the PSAC West love and performed it for both our band and the Lock Haven band at the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th quarters.  It is a fun song to sing and dance too and it gets a good response from the band.

 

Sadly, because of administrative decisions, starting in the 2005 season "The Beer Song" will now be reffered to as "The Song Without Words." Another important change to note is that the "classic" lyrics may no longer be sang in public. These changes are very disappointing to everyone. However, we all have to keep our heads up high and remember the positive point... we didn't lose our cheer song all together, at least we can still play "The Song Without Words!"