There may be no poodle skirts or beanies, but glee clubs are being revived at the College. The Department of Music is bringing back this tradition of choral performance in the fall, with membership in the men’s and women’s clubs open to students, faculty, staff, and the community by audition.
“This tradition dates back to the formation of the Men’s Glee Club in 1876 and continued for more than 100 years, until the early 1990s, when the Glee Clubs were combined to form University Choir,” explains Brett Scott, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities in the music department. “Bringing back the Glee Clubs allows students at the University of Rochester to once again experience this wonderful history of singing first hand.”
The ensembles are being offered as MUR 150, Women’s Glee Club, and MUR 156, Men’s Glee Club. Both groups will rehearse Tuesday nights in the Interfaith Chapel. Auditions will be held during the first week of classes.
The glee clubs will each sing a wide variety of choral repertoire, ranging from large choral and orchestral works to classical standards and popular music. In addition, the two groups will regularly do joint rehearsals and concerts so that students can also sing mixed chorus repertoire.
For more information, contact the Department of Music at 5-2828.