Descendant of “Hail Girard” Music Composer Visits Founder’s Hall Museum

The “Hail Girard” alma mater, introduced in 1911 at Girard College, is proudly sung at Chapel programs and other special occasions. Henry Hanby Hay, who worked as a Girard prefect (residential advisor) wrote the lyrics, and C. Stanley Mackey, band leader at Girard, composed the music.

Friday, September 26 marked the 110th anniversary of Mackey’s death, and a group of Girard College high school students recently had the opportunity to meet Susan Baraldi, the composer’s great-granddaughter, and sing the alma mater for her when she visited Founder’s Hall Museum.

Susan came to the museum to learn more about her great-grandfather’s life as a Girard student (1886-1894) and band leader at the school (1911-1915). Museum visitors will see Mackey’s band conductor baton on display along with historical information about Mackey and the Girard Band.

Fun fact: Susan played the bass violin – just like her great-grandfather!

View video of students singing “Hail Girard”: https://bit.ly/HailGirardSong