PSU point/counterpoint: In-step Blue Band, music make atmosphere special

What is your favorite Penn State football tradition?

There are so many that it's difficult to pick.

From the tailgating to the blue buses that bring the team to Beaver Stadium through the sea of blue-and-white clad fans to the whiteout, which Cory picked to write about, Penn State is blessed with plenty of special traditions.

But I'm going to pick the music, specifically the Blue Band and its signature song, "Hail to the Lion."

I've known families whose kids were in the Blue Band, and short of the physical contact, they practice as rigorously as the football team -- without the adulation.

Being in the press box, media members are a bit isolated so we don't get the full flavor of the band, but it's quite a sight as they march down the field prior to the game and the drum major attempts to nail the pre-game flip and almost always does.

Prior to a game against Syracuse in 2009, I can recall being on the field to interview the great Lenny Moore, who was an honorary captain. I got a few questions in and was able to hang out with Lenny as the band went through its pre-game routine. I was blown away at its precision while blasting out every note and marveled at the fan engagement.

I remember admiring the scene and thinking to myself, "No wonder Joe can't walk away."

In addition to "Hail to the Lion," the Penn State gameday staff -- which includes Altoona's Guido D'Elia, who is back for a second stint at the atmosphere controls -- does a tremendous job picking the song list that holds the 107,000-plus in its hand.

Whether it's "Sweet Caroline," or "Livin On A Prayer," or "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" or "Hey, Baby," or "Build Me Up Buttercup," nothing sounds bad on the stadium system.

Same goes for when the Steelers play "Renegade" and the Curve play "Cotton Eye Joe." (I'll use this as a plug to renew my every-half decade suggestion for the Curve to play Alabama's "Ride The Train," nightly like the Rail Kings used to. Trust me: It would be a home run.)

There's something about music that helps unite a crowd and adds to the tradition of a gorgeous fall afternoon among 107,000 of your closest friends.

Those who have attended Penn State games over the years -- either occasionally or every one -- can surely attest.

Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.