Banding Together

November 7, 2025

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In 2005, then-SBU President Shirley Strum Kenny wanted to drum up more excitement and Seawolf spirit at athletic games and what better way to do that than through music? Under the guidance of the first band director, John Leddy, 20 enthusiastic musicians performed during halftime at the Homecoming football game that year and the Stony Brook Marching Band was born.

Now known as the Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band, it has grown to include more than 200 members and is a highlight of more than just athletic events. The band appears at CommUniversity Day each year and recently led the Stony Brook contingent at New York City’s annual pride parade. They share Seawolf spirit everywhere they go.

Read more about the band’s history in this SB Matters story.

A group of musicians in red and white uniforms playing tubas, smiling and participating in a parade. They wear red berets and have logos featuring a wolf design on their instruments.

A group of marching band members wearing red and white uniforms play percussion instruments. They are smiling and interacting with each other, while several others perform in the background.

A group of musicians in red uniforms playing instruments, including cymbals and drums, on bleachers. Some are engaging with each other enthusiastically while performing.