UBC Archives - Story of Harold King and "Hail U.B.C."


From The Ubyssey (Sept. 22, 1931, p.1)	Harold King, (Education 1932) was both a musician and a writer during his time at U.B.C.; performing many concerts, as well as writing articles for the Ubyssey. Despite his recognition as a fine trumpet soloist on and off campus, he is best remembered for "Hail U.B.C.", a stirring anthem designed to inspire the blue and gold on to victory. The song was quickly embraced by the students of the day, who had listened jealously as other schools sang their rousing school songs, and for too long had been unable to respond. The song was well received by most, but was criticised by the Ubyssey in 1937 as being "too boastful", a sentiment certainly not shared by the majority of students. Harold, during his time at U.B.C., was a busy student, involved in the Musical Society, the Classics Club, and the Studio, as well as majoring in English prior to completing an Education degree in 1932. Harold King's interest in music and letters, as well as his loyalty to his Alma Mater are evident in "Hail U.B.C.", a work that is still remembered today, both for its melody and for its lyrics. The song was, in fact, copyrighted in 1947 by the Alma Mater Society, and may be considered the most compelling anthem yet written to inspire U.B.C. athletes on to victory. King's band played many shows for U.B.C. students and faculty, including noon hour concerts at the University, as well as the Farmer's Faculty Ball of 1932, and the Arts/Agriculture Ball of 1933. He continued to entertain at U.B.C. functions after his graduation, and as late as 1956 was the bandleader for Alumni Association functions. ««« Back

From The Ubyssey
(Sept. 22, 1931, p.1)

Harold King, (Education 1932) was both a musician and a writer during his time at U.B.C.; performing many concerts, as well as writing articles for the Ubyssey. Despite his recognition as a fine trumpet soloist on and off campus, he is best remembered for "Hail U.B.C.", a stirring anthem designed to inspire the blue and gold on to victory.

Harold King The song was quickly embraced by the students of the day, who had listened jealously as other schools sang their rousing school songs, and for too long had been unable to respond. The song was well received by most, but was criticised by the Ubyssey in 1937 as being "too boastful", a sentiment certainly not shared by the majority of students.

Harold, during his time at U.B.C., was a busy student, involved in the Musical Society, the Classics Club, and the Studio, as well as majoring in English prior to completing an Education degree in 1932.

Harold King's interest in music and letters, as well as his loyalty to his Alma Mater are evident in "Hail U.B.C.", a work that is still remembered today, both for its melody and for its lyrics. The song was, in fact, copyrighted in 1947 by the Alma Mater Society, and may be considered the most compelling anthem yet written to inspire U.B.C. athletes on to victory.

King's band played many shows for U.B.C. students and faculty, including noon hour concerts at the University, as well as the Farmer's Faculty Ball of 1932, and the Arts/Agriculture Ball of 1933. He continued to entertain at U.B.C. functions after his graduation, and as late as 1956 was the bandleader for Alumni Association functions.

««« Back