The Moberly School District officially announced its new alma mater has been composed and lyrically crafted by one of its very own students. Brant Lucas, a senior at Moberly High School, has created an inspiring and heartfelt composition that will become a lasting symbol of school pride for generations to come. The school board approved the new alma mater at its meeting Tuesday.
Lucas, who has been deeply involved in the school’s music program throughout his high school career, expressed a desire to contribute something meaningful to his school community. Drawing on his passion for music and his deep connection to his school, Brant dedicated countless hours to composing the melody and writing the lyrics.
“After being offered the opportunity to write the alma mater by Mrs. Haag, I had to first do a bit of research,” Lucas commented. “I was not familiar with what an alma mater was, so I had to listen to numerous other school’s alma maters so I could get a feel for what it was supposed to sound like. I took a lot of inspiration from Mizzou’s alma mater, considering I grew up going to many of their football and basketball games. After research, I wrote out the melody and started putting a rough harmony with it to give it some feeling. After months of work on the project, I learned that sometimes it is great to step back, reflect, and restart,” Brant noted.
When thinking about the challenges in composing the piece, Brant added, “Writing the lyrics was more difficult than writing the entire piece of music. After I finished, I arranged it for our high school marching band and our choir. Our choir director, Ms. Blanford was also a huge part of this process, helping me when needed. I am very grateful for her, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with Mrs. Haag and Mrs. Wright. Most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community in this way,” Lucas shared.
The composition, titled, “Red, White, and Blue”, captures the essence of the school’s spirit and values. The lyrics speak to the tradition, unity, and dedication that define Moberly High School. The composition has been described as both uplifting and timeless, with a melody that is sure to resonate with students, faculty, and alumni alike.
Mrs. Deborah Hill-Haag, Principal of Moberly High School, praised Brant Lucas for his extraordinary talent and commitment to the school. “After hearing the beautiful piece, “Galaxy in Bloom”, Brant composed for our band to play at our spring concert, it is obvious he was the right musician for the job of writing our alma mater. Student voice matters and this is a wonderful example of how our school and district embrace our students as leaders. To say I am proud is an understatement!”
The alma mater will be officially unveiled during Homecoming at Dr. Larry K. Noel Stadium, where Brant Lucas, Kailyn Kirkendoll, and the Moberly High School Band and Chamber Choir will perform the piece for a large audience for the first time. The performance will no doubt find a special place in the hearts of everyone present.
As Brant Lucas prepares to graduate in May and embark on new endeavors starting with enrollment at the University of Missouri in Columbia, his legacy at Moberly High School is already secure, with “Red, White, and Blue”, standing as a lasting tribute to his time at the school.
The new alma mater will be performed at all major school events and ceremonies, ensuring that it becomes a cherished tradition at Moberly High School.
