The Bells Must Ring

School songs and chants

Several school songs are connected with the school's athletic heritage. The alma mater of Rutgers University is "On the Banks of the Old Raritan", with words written by Howard Fullerton (Rutgers Class of 1874) and adapted to the old Scottish melody "On the Banks of the Old Dundee." It is typically performed at the close of athletic events by the university's marching band, the Marching Scarlet Knights (also called "The Pride of New Jersey"), at Rutgers University Glee Club concerts, commencement and other important school events. The university's fight song, "The Bells Must Ring", is performed often during athletic events especially in recognition of notable scores. Written in 1931 for entry in a student song contest, pianist Richard M. Hadden (Rutgers Class of 1932) composed the song with W. E. Sanford (Rutgers Class of 1930). Between the verses of the fight song, the spirit chant is rhythmically shouted.