BYU

Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Songs and Yells

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The remarkable history of Brigham Young University can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of the heritage of the songs and yells of Brigham Young University.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

  • Histories of Brigham Young University
    • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975
    • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976

Primary Sources

  • Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University songs and yells: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU songs and yells follows. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
    • UA 1164 Brigham Young University, 1875-1987 Includes school songs and traditions and other statistical and historical information.
    • UA SC 36 Old BYU traditions and accompanying songs Item 1. The history of the “Y” Bell and the “Old Y Bell” song. — Item 2. The College Song and revision. — Item 3. The history of the block Y and “The trail of the Y” song. — Item 4. The Athletic Carnival and the Timpanogos song.
    • UA 330 Yells and songs of Brigham Young University, 1900-1960 Includes articles about BYU songs and traditions. Also includes the original BYU yells and songs, and musical scores relating to BYU.
    • BX 8688 .A1 no.123 Brigham Young University hymn Music by Gerrit de Jong, Jr. and text by Clinton F. Larson; publishing date unknown.
    • AC 901 .A1 no.688 “Brigham Young University” march One score by Robert Sauer; published c. 1909.
    • BX 8608 .A1 no.4072 Y college yells Pocket booklet: The Star Spangled Banner — College song — Our glorious banner — When a body — Ach du lieber — Silver bell.
    • M 1959 .B74 C65 1927 College song: Brigham Young University One score by Annie Pike Greenwood, sung to an old melody arranged by William F. Hanson; published in 1927.
    • BX 8608 .A1 no.1629 Sing the songs of B.Y.U College song — Alma Pater — The old “Y” bell — The trail of the “Y”.
    • BX 8608 .A1a no.1963 Alma Pater: Brigham Young University pep song Words by Glenn S. Potter and music by Walt Daniels; published in 1931.
    • AC901 .A1a no.4263a The Cougar song of Brigham Young University Words and music by Clyde D. Sandgren; published c. 1947.
    • AC 901 .A1a no.457 Music of the “Y”. Produced by the Associated students of Brigham Young University, February, 1958 Score and phonodisc: College song — The cougar song — The old “Y” bell — The trail of the “Y” — Alma Pater.
    • AC 901 .A1a no.4263b The Cougar song of Brigham Young University: rise & shout Words and music by Clyde D. Sandgren; published c. 1975.
  • Materials related to the songs and yells of BYU
    • MSS SC 2944 Franklin Stewart Harris letter, 1932, Provo, Utah, to Helen Ellsworth, Denver, Colorado Written by the president of Brigham Young University to a student, enclosing a copy of the school pep song, “Alma Pater.” He encourages her to promote the university to her friends. One sheet of the “Alma Pater” music is torn. Also includes a more complete photocopy of the pep song. The name of the author of the lyrics to “Alma Pater,” Glen S. Potter, is written in ink on the first page of the printed sheet music.
    • MSS OH 1904 Oral history, 1982 Apr. 20 Interview with Thatcher Jones, a BYU Student and professor. Jones talks about his experiences while attending Brigham Young University, 1904-1909; and teaching at the university, 1914 and 1917-1921. He discusses the origins of BYU’s school song.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the evolution of the Brigham Young University songs and yells. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.