Established in 1924 by freshman Irving Harris, the Brown University Band is one of the school's oldest student-run organizations. Its participation at sporting events, convocation and commencement makes it an integral part of campus life, providing music and spirited fun for the Brown and Providence communities.
A "scramble" band, rather than a traditional marching band, the Band provides cheeky entertainment on and off campus. Legendary antics from the world's only ice-skating band include the infamous bass drum heist by the "Foxboro Four" and notable halftime shows at hundreds of football games. While invariably adapting over the years, the band keeps school songs and spirit alive and maintains its long-standing traditions.
Author and former percussionist Sean Briody pays homage to the band's roots and vibrant history.
Sean Briody was raised in Commack, Long Island, New York, where he attended Commack High School and graduated with an IB diploma. Sean started at Brown in the fall of 2015 and quickly joined the Brown Band, which became an integral part of his college experience. He graduated Brown in 2019 with honors and a dual degree in American Studies and Egyptology/Assyriology. He currently lives in Columbia, South Carolina, where he works as a social studies teacher and history bowl coach at Cardinal Newman School. He has also worked for the Brown Library and Providence's historic North Burial Ground.