Spirit Song Competition

Contest Overview 

Radford University is launching a contest to create a new official spirit song that will embody the spirit and core values of our university and inspire pride, excitement and unity among our Highlanders community.  

Eligibility 

• The contest is open to all members of the Radford University community, including current students, employees and alumni. 
• Members of the selection committee are not eligible to participate. (See selection committee members below.) 

Prize 

• Winner: $1,000 for the selected spirit song 

General Guidelines 

The spirit song should: 

• Have music and lyrics that are easily played, sung and understood 
• Inspire spirit, pride and excitement about the future while honoring cherished traditions 
• Be appealing and contemporary while having timeless qualities 
• Embody Radford University's core values of Student Empowerment and Success, Excellence, Inclusiveness, Community, Intellectual Freedom, Innovation and Sustainability
• Include the nickname "Highlanders" in the lyrics
• Be approximately 60-90 seconds in length 
• Include a memorable chorus or chant section suitable for crowd participation 
• Must contain at least 2 stanzas and a chorus 

Content Standards 

• Submissions must not contain profanity, vulgar language or inappropriate themes. 
• The song should be inclusive of all Radford University students, not focused on individual teams or organizations. 
• Content should reflect Radford University in the 21st century and celebrate our diverse campus community. 
• Submissions must not contain names of specific individuals or describe any person's likeness. 

Technical Requirements 

All entries must include: 

• Written lyrics (clearly typed and formatted) 
• Written music notation (professional notation not required, but melody line must be clearly indicated) 
• Audio recording of the song being performed that meets minimum acceptable quality for evaluation purposes  (Accepted formats include MP3, WAV, M4A, OGG, AAC, MOV—maximum size is 100 MB.)
• Brief explanation (1-2 paragraphs) describing the inspiration behind the song 

Submission Process 

• All materials must be submitted through the official contest web form.
• Maximum of 2 submissions per individual are acceptable.
• Group collaborations are welcome .
• Incomplete submissions will not be considered .
• The submission deadline is Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Originality Requirements 

• Submissions must be original works of the person(s) submitting the entry. 
• Lyrics and music must be original compositions. 
• Minor incorporation of traditional university phrases or cheers is acceptable. 
• Ethical use of AI is acceptable along with resources available through campus (Harvey Center, CITL, Artis Center, etc.).

Timeline 

• Friday, Oct. 10: Submission deadline 
• Wednesday, Oct. 22: Final selection made by judging committee 
• Monday, Oct. 27: Winner notification 
• Monday, Nov. 3: Public debut at the men's season opening home basketball game 

Selection Process 

The selection committee will include representatives from: 

• Radford University administration 
• Music department faculty 
• Student body representatives 
• Alumni association 
• Athletic department 

Submissions will be evaluated based on: 

• Musical quality and “singability"
• Lyrical content and university spirit 
• Originality and creativity 
• Appropriateness for various university events 
• Crowd appeal and participation potential 

Winner Rights and Responsibilities 

By submitting an entry, contestants agree that: 

• You confirm that each song submitted is your original work and does not infringe upon the intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. 
• If selected as the winner, you assign all rights, title and interest in the spirit song (lyrics and music) to Radford University. 
• Radford University will have exclusive rights to use, modify, reproduce, distribute and copyright the song. 
• The university may alter or revise the song as deemed necessary. 
• The song will be used for university promotional, educational and ceremonial purposes. 
• You will execute any additional documents required to transfer rights to the university. 
• You have read and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions and contest guidelines. 
• Your failure to comply with these terms and conditions will result in disqualification of your submitted song. 
• The selection committee's decision is final and binding. 

Additional Terms 

By submitting an entry, contestants agree that: 

• Radford University reserves the right to use, publish, display, record, reproduce and license the winning song for any lawful purpose. 
• The university has the exclusive right to secure copyright registrations and other rights in the song anywhere throughout the world. 
• Winners may be required to participate in publicity activities related to the contest and song. 
• Contest is void where prohibited by law. 

Questions? 

For additional questions regarding the contest, please contact: spiritsong@radford.edu.

We look forward to hearing the songs that will inspire our community for generations to come.  Go Highlanders!