Purdue News
Purdue News
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New glee club members look forward to first concertWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Musical Organizations' 62-member, all-male singing group will showcase an evening of traditional Purdue songs along with other popular medleys on Friday, Aug. 23, at the Purdue Varsity Glee Club First Nighter. Sponsored in part by the Purdue Student Union Board, the First Nighter begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms. The event is free and open to the public. PMO director Brian Breed says that every year the Glee Club members look forward to this first concert of the season. "First Nighter is the best way to jump-start the year for the Glee Club," Breed says. "Bringing the community and campus together for a concert offers the opportunity for us to sing together and begin our year on a positive note. Breed says this year's performance will be especially poignant since a car accident recently claimed one of their members. "This year is especially meaningful to the men of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club after the tragic loss of one of our members, David Crum," Breed says. "In David's words, 'Singing will be part of my life at Purdue. I sing constantly, at home, in school and on the bus. It's my passion. I want to be a part of this good image, and I want to make it even better. Music simply rings my bell. I can't and won't live without it.' We feel the same way and will commit our year to his positive philosophy of life." At the First Nighter, the Glee Club traditionally sings all of the Purdue songs, which originated with their group. Purdue's fight song, "Hail Purdue," was written by a former Glee Club member. Founded in 1893, the Varsity Glee Club always has welcomed students back to the university the first week of classes. For the club, it's an ideal time to introduce new members, who have been with the group for one week. This year, 16 new singers will join the 46 returning members. In addition to performing at Purdue, the talents of the group have been showcased throughout the United States and around the world. Their travels include nine European tours, as well as tours of Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and, this past summer, China. The club also has served as the featured entertainment at four presidential inaugurations. CONTACT: Julie Ricciardi, PMO Club director, (765) 494-3947, jericciardi@purdue.edu; Brian Breed, (765) 494-3941, bdbreed@purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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