The Statesmen — Penn State’s varsity a cappella group — had never published an official music video. What better time, its members thought, than Homecoming week?

The 12-member group premiered its first music video today, a sped-up, jazzed-up rendition of “Hail to the Lion.” It’s a well-crafted, high-energy video shot across campus, including on top of Beaver Stadium and on Old Main Lawn. The Statesmen perform the classic Penn State fight song at most performances, and it quickly became the clear choice for the first video.

“It wasn’t specifically created for Homecoming week, but as soon as we watched the final product, it was clear that this was going to be a big hit, one fitting enough for the biggest week this fall — Penn State Homecoming,” said Jeremy Edelstein, the group’s music director.

The video was created by Ben Lapp, a film major and friend of Edelstein. Impressed by his previous work, Edelstein gave Lapp the opportunity, and he quickly surpassed The Statesmen expectations. The Statesmen and Penn State administrators have had a close, cordial working relationship for years, so the university’s associate director of special events, Amy Pollock, was able to set the group up with locations inside the Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium. The Lion, another friend of The Statesmen, took time out of his busy schedule to join the shoot.

“It wasn’t specifically created for homecoming,” said former member Radler Kelly. “It was created for Penn State.”

In all, the music video is a homage to Penn State, a gift to current, future, and past Nittany Lions.

“In creating a music video, we wanted to exemplify an identity that our university does such a great job of cultivating,” Edelstein said. “As Penn Staters, we are so fortunate to go to a school that allows us a great deal of solidarity and community, tradition, a beautiful campus and an immense pride for who we are and where we are headed. As an a cappella group, what better way to do that than through song? We love our school and we wanted to share that as best we could.”

Following the video’s release, The Statesmen will continue performing various gigs around campus, and expect to drop a studio album in the spring, according to current member Ryan Coleman. The Statesmen can also be found on iTunes and Loudr.

“We’re a bunch of fun-loving, well dressed dudes who have an incredible love for music and for Penn State,” he explained.