By the late 1930's, Rehearsal Hall had clearly been outgrown. After St. John Arena was built in 1957, Jack Evans requested its use for the last rehearsal before game time. Athletic Director Richard Larkins was happy to oblige, as he was eager to show off the new facility. The skull session was, however, still used as a rehearsal. Director Evans would routinely stop the band to fix problems in the music.
Skull session starts one and a half hours before kickoff every home football game.
Seats for skull session are in high demand and it is not unusual for dedicated band fans to arrive up to two hours before the band.