Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band Marks 20 Years at Homecoming

It was 20 years ago that the Spirit of Stony Brook (SOSB) Marching Band — known then as the Stony Brook Marching Band — formed. At the request of then-President Shirley Strum Kenny and under the guidance of John Leddy, the first director of Athletic Bands, 20 enthusiastic musicians performed at the band’s first halftime show during the Homecoming football game.

Leddy will be the first to admit that when he was hired as interim director, his main goal was simply to get the band playing at games and events. “After stepping into the permanent role, I started listening to what students really wanted — and it was to be the coolest thing on campus,” he said. “That became our mission: to get everyone to jump on the bandwagon.” At its core, though, Leddy wanted the band to offer a fun, inclusive learning experience. “I encouraged everyone to join because I wanted our band to reflect the full diversity of the Stony Brook student body,” he said.

After two successful seasons, the band officially took the name SOSB in 2008. With Leddy’s leadership through 2013, the band became a fixture on campus at football games, as well as all men’s and women’s basketball games. In 2007, the band also served as the official pep band for the New York Dragons of the Arena Football League. “All of these gigs gave us credibility beyond the university, which added to our ‘cool’ factor,” said Leddy.

That popularity off campus and in the community continued to a national level. The band has performed on the show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” New York City’s Columbus Day Parade, a Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime commercial, a music video and most recently at the New York City Pride March in 2025. 

Over the years, the band has grown to more than 200 members at times. Pamela Pfeil took over leadership as interim director for the band’s 20th season. Pfeil, who is also the associate director of Military and Veteran Student Services, knows firsthand how important and loved the SOSB Marching Band is. “As a founding member of the band, it helped shape my life as a student, and it’s been an anchor in my heart ever since,” she said. “The Spirit of Stony Brook is more than music — it’s often the first impression visitors get of our campus and a touchstone of pride for the community. For our members, it’s a support system that welcomes students of all backgrounds, majors and ability groups.”

As another founding member and the band’s second drum major, Geoff Bansen ’10 said there was a sense of nervousness when he showed up for the first day of band camp. “Joining the band in its very first season felt like a leap of faith — there were no traditions, no expectations, just a small group of students ready to build something from scratch,” he said. “Once we were comfortable with each other, we realized it was pretty cool to be the ones starting the traditions and making history.” 

Bansen said his experience in the band shaped his time at Stony Brook University and beyond, teaching him the value of stepping into the unknown and helping create something meaningful. “Seeing the band today fills me with pride; they’ve taken what we started and made it even better,” said Bansen. “My hope is that no matter how much the band grows, it always stays true to the spirit and heart that defined its earliest days.”

And its alumni base is stronger than ever. Many say the bonds they formed during their time in SOSB have lasted a lifetime. “The marching band holds a special place in my heart on a daily basis,” said James Iannotto ’13. “I truly made lifelong friends through the marching band, including my wife.” 

The Spirit of Stony Brook Alumni Band (SOSBAB) was formed to foster closer fellowship among SOSB alumni and current students. Alumni and current band members network and reminisce about their time in the band through many events throughout the year. “It’s important to stay connected to the band because it was and continues to be a community where all are welcome,” said Shannon Conley ’19, co-leader of the alumni band group. “My hope is that the band continues to be a safe space for students to make memories and feel supported. And as alumni, it’s important for us to help shape the next generation of young people.”

Twenty years after its debut, the SOSB Marching Band remains a powerful force for campus pride, connection and growth. From its earliest members to today’s students, the band has fostered a culture of learning, inclusivity and leadership — one performance and halftime show at a time. “I hope that every band member grows and learns important lessons during their band years,” said Leddy. “It’s a laboratory where they will discover themselves and learn to interact with the world.” 

As the band looks ahead, Pfeil shares a vision rooted in expansion and enduring impact: “Our goal is to keep creating that welcoming, spirited community that John Leddy established, while developing future leaders for every sector of our world. And continue to be the ‘coolest thing on campus.’” 

The SOSB Marching Band performed at its 20th Homecoming on Saturday, October 25, during the win against Towson.

The Spirit of Stony Brook Alumni Band is in a custom order period for SBU Campus store via this link from ASA. The link will be open through November 12, and orders have to be in by then. Pickup on campus or have your order shipped to you.