Lets face it, most alma maters (the songs) are usually pretty boring. They usually start something like “Hail to – insert name of school/college here -, then maybe something about its ivied halls then blah, blah, blah, then we’ll remember you forever and true, etc., all put to a stately and equally stuffy melody. Not only can’t I remember my high school’s alma mater, I don’t remember if we had one at all.
Stockton’s Chavez High doesn’t have that problem. Its alma mater is the coolest one I’ve ever heard. It was penned in a collaboration by music teachers Mel Sugitan and Art Coleman. The words (seen below) are mostly a variation of other alma maters (though I particularly like the lines about sharpening minds, bodies and souls and making the world a better place). What really sets it apart is the music. It starts out with sort of an R&B rythmn and then in the middle it has a distinctly gospel vibe complete with hand clapping and a side-to-side sashaying. The end is a simple “hail, hail, hail,” but, as sung by the Chavez choir, has some wonderful harmonies. It’s a great song that captures the heart and soul of the school.
Cesar Chavez, Alma Mater
A place to grow – our Home
Sharpen our minds, bodies, and souls
Make our spirit soar
When we travel the world
We will succeed
We’re free to make it a better place
The Titan’s blood is strong, wise and true
Black, white, and gold forever, forever
Cesar Chavez, Alma Mater
Hail, hail, hail
Cesar Chavez, Alma Mater
Hail, hail, hail
