Now that’s the Spirit: Marching band director’s career comes full circle

Thousands of Liberty University alumni will return to Liberty Mountain for Homecoming festivities this weekend, but one alumnus has already made campus his home once again.

Dr. Larry Seipp (’96), the new director of the Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band, took on the role at the beginning of the semester, fulfilling a dream to direct the band that he was once a member of himself.

“Now, getting to lead this group, its surreal,” he said. “I still can’t believe I get to do this job.”

“(Liberty) means a lot to me because I’m a product of it. The Lord has used Liberty to shape me into the person I am today, not only as a professional musician and teacher, but as a believer.”

Seipp studied music education at Liberty while serving in the Spirit of the Mountain as a trumpet player and soloist in 1991-92 and as the drum major and head field commander from 1993-94. He has taught band for 25 years, most recently at E.C. Glass High School and Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg. He has been an adjunct professor at James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, and Liberty, where he previously served as a music education subject matter expert for the School of Music’s online program. He has taken his bands across the country to perform at Bands of America Regionals, Walt Disney World, and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

In addition to the education field, Seipp’s music career has also included roles as clinician, conductor, adjudicator, designer, and performer. He enjoys playing trumpet for his church, Thomas Road Baptist Church, and throughout the area.

“Dr. Seipp is no stranger to Lynchburg or the LU community,” said School of Music Dean Dr. Stephen Müller. “He comes to us after years as a music educator in public and private schools, and we are thrilled to have him join us and take the reins of the Spirit of the Mountain.”

Seipp replaces longtime band director Stephen Kerr (’82), who retired in June after 32 years of service to Liberty.

When Seipp was at Liberty, the band had 120 members. Now, it is 250 members strong. The game day experience has grown and expanded as well, with Liberty’s rise to the FBS.

“Game days are a big reason why students enjoy being in the band,” Seipp said. “The incredible facilities are second to none, and the great student section that shows up early and stays for the whole game makes for a great environment. Playing in a first-class stadium like we have now is incredible, and it’s even better when it is packed out like it has been this season. From the video and sound to the safety measures in place for the game, the whole experience is extremely well planned and executed to perfection.”

The Spirit of the Mountain’s halftime show, “More Than Conquerors” is comprised of familiar songs with inspiring messages of perseverance, such as “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “I’m Still Standing,” and “Survivor.”

Seipp decided to add a biblical element to the band’s pregame show this year, performing “How Great Thou Art” before the national anthem.

“I don’t know if that’s ever been done here before,” he said. “When you think about what defines Liberty, it is obviously our spiritual roots and Christ-centeredness. So, I think (adding a hymn) was a fitting choice this year. It really means a lot to me that the band is connecting to these things as well, and I think the (Homecoming) crowd is really going to appreciate hearing that.”

In addition to Flames Football games this fall, Seipp and the Spirit of the Mountain will host the largest band competition in Virginia, the Virginia Marching Band Cooperative State Championships, on Nov. 5 at Williams Stadium. The event, while hosting thousands of spectators, will feature 35 of the top Virginia high school bands. The Spirit of the Mountain will perform two exhibition pieces.

Seipp’s official title is director of athletic bands, so after football season, he will oversee the indoor drumline (with leader Dr. Tommy Goddard) and the pep band. He will also serve as a subject matter expert for the School of Music’s online programs.

Seipp said he’s especially looking forward to Homecoming Weekend, a time of excitement and celebration but also a chance to look back and reflect on Liberty’s history.

“It’s a time to honor our past, our roots as a university,” he said. “We want to have a great show and for it to be done very well as unto the Lord. That’s really our mission as a Christian entity. As a band, we want to be an example to the world that we can do things well, but we are representing a higher purpose.”