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.

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.

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."

Read more about the history of the band - with photos taken through the years - at SB Matters.