Rousing music underscored the excitement and energy of this year’s Homecoming Pep Rally, as the Upper School Band and Upper School Chorus premiered a reimagined “King School Fight Song.”

"A fight song has the ability to bring a community together under a common spirit," shared Director of Performing Arts Garrett Mendez, who composed the original song over a decade ago. “It can connect generations of people who have attended the school.”

Interest in the work resurfaced last year after the original composition was shelved during the COVID-19 pandemic. With renewed enthusiasm for the piece, Mendez reworked parts of the music before reaching out to faculty members for input on drafting lyrics. The following morning, Academic Dean Adam Boaz emailed Mendez a complete set of lyrics to accompany the score. Sadly, Boaz passed away before his lyrics could be set to the music. 

Determined to honor Boaz’s legacy, Mendez enlisted the help of Choral Director Eleanor Bach to set the lyrics to the familiar melody. After the arrangement was complete, the Upper School Band and Upper School Chorus rehearsed the piece for several weeks, and the lyrics were shared with the entire King community.

At the Homecoming Pep Rally on Friday, September 27, “The King Fight Song” was performed live for the first time, booming through the upper school gymnasium. At its conclusion, students, faculty, and staff erupted into joyous cheer, noting the work as a powerful symbol of pride, unity, and connection across generations.