Draft:Old Missouri
University of Missouri alma mater
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|  |
 1908 version of "Old Missouri" | |
| Lyrics | George Armstrong Wauchope, 1895 |
|---|---|
| Music | Egbert Van Alstyne, 1908; arranged by Frederic Knight Logan, 1871-1928 arr., 1908 |
Old Missouri
"Old Missouri" is the alma mater song of the University of Missouri. [1] The chorus was written in 1895 by George Armstrong Wauchope, an English professor at the university. It has been used at school events for more than a century and is an important part of Missouri's student and alumni traditions.
George Armstrong Wauchope chose the melody from the mid-19th century ballad Annie Lisle, a tune already familiar in many academic circles and used by a number of schools. Because the melody was widely recognized, adopting it allowed "Old Missouri" to feel instantly familiar and singable.
History
University Before
The University of Missouri was founded in 1839 and began classes in 1841. Over the decades, it grew into a significant public university in Columbia, Missouri, and developed it's academic programs, campus community, and student groups, including it's first glee club. The existence of a glee club at Mizzou by 1895 (or earlier) suggests that musical and social student life had become organized enough to consider a shared song for the university community.
Alma Mater Creation
In Spring 1895, the University of Missouri's first glee club asked Dr. George Armstrong Wauchope to write an Alma Mater that would represent the whole school. Dr. Wauchope, an English professor, wrote the chorus (song) in a single night. The tune “Annie Lisle” was chosen by two glee club members together with a professor’s wife on piano. This tune was first adapted as a college alma mater by Cornell University, and later many other universities, including Missouri, used for their own school songs. It was performed for a few years and then lost when the club disbanded; luckily, the pianist, Mrs. J. C. Jones, knew the words by heart and restarted the club, saving the song.[2]
Reason
The creation of "Old Missouri" appears to have emerged in a cultural context where many colleges were adopting alma maters and formalizing campus identity.
Cultural significance
For the University of Missouri community, "Old Missouri" is an important tradition that brings together students and alumni.
Symbolism
This song symbolizes the university’s values and spirit as its alma mater. It is a powerful symbol of a shared identity because of the lyrics' emphasis on loyalty, honor, and pride. It's a staple at graduations, convocations, and sports events, helping to promote a sense of belonging that spans generations. When sung together, it becomes an act that ties people not just with the university but with each other, providing a connection that lasts long after graduation. "Old Missouri" is a part of an overall trend in which organizations across the country use music to preserve their traditions, reinforce their ideals, and leave a lasting legacy among students and alumni. This tradition of singing the alma mater creates powerful emotional connections, allowing individuals to feel part of something larger and ensuring the university's legacy is celebrated for years to come.
Melody
The song borrowed its melody from "Annie Lisle", like many other colleges. This tune became the most widely borrowed melody for a university's alma mater. The melodic form is simpler, making it accessible for large groups to easily sing in unison. The song moves in a stepwise motion with occasional leaps that add flair. By choosing this melody for the alma mater, the University of Missouri aligned itself with a larger collegiate tradition.
Harmony and Arrangement
The harmonization of “Old Missouri” supports the melody without overshadowing it. In a choral setting, the arrangement is typically a four-part harmony (SATB), creating a very full and resonant sound. The harmonic progressions rely heavily on tonic, dominant, and subdominant chords to reinforce stability. When performed by the university's marching band, Marching Mizzou, the use of brass instruments adds weight to the song. At the same time, adding woodwinds softens the texture and adds more detail. The adaptability of the piece across ensembles demonstrates its versatility, allowing it to be played at both intimate ceremonies and large social gatherings.
Rhythm and Tempo
The rhythm of “Old Missouri” is deliberately set at a steady 76 BPM[2], designed to be easily followed by singers of varying musical abilities. It also ensures the clarity of the text delivery while providing a consistent beat for ceremonies. Unlike a fight song’s syncopation and faster tempos to energize the crowd, alma maters prioritize unity. The song supports the communal aspect of singing along and encourages the participation of the community.[citation needed]
Text Relationship
The lyrics are carefully aligned with the melodic phrasing of the song. Lines such as "Proud art thou in classic beauty" rise melodically, which reinforces the upward sense of pride for the school that students feel when singing together. The text emphasizes the musical setting through the use of sustained notes and cadences, giving each phrase weight. Along with the use of communal pronouns in the lyrics. Phrases like "we will ever love thee" emphasize the collective identity of the university. The goal of the song is to bring students, alumni, and faculty together. Musically, these lines are often sung in unison before splitting into harmony, symbolizing the transition from a new student alone to an alumnus with connections you will hold onto forever. The lyrics evoke affection, pride, and loyalty, calling the university "dear Old Varsity," celebrating "classic beauty" and a "noble past," and affirming values like "honor" and "duty". These words are the familiar, a musical emblem of the university's history and ideals, reminding each generation that they are part of something larger than themselves.
Lyrics
Old Missouri, fair Missouri, dear Old Varsity
Ours are hearts that fondly love thee
Here's a "Health" to thee
(Chorus)
Proud art thou in classic beauty
Of thy noble past With thy watchwords: honor, dut
Thy high fame shall last
Every student, man and maiden
Swell the glad refrain
’Til the breezes, music laden
Waft it back again
(Chorus)
Proud art thou in classic beauty
Of thy noble past With thy watchwords: honor, duty
Thy high fame shall last[3][4]
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