Brothers, Sing On -- Again!

[Allan Dash]

Hi, Guys!

Do you miss the unique and rewarding fun of singing regularly in a glee club, like we did under Monty or Eric? Would you like to join an established club that would love to have you, and in which you could help carry on a 76-year musical tradition? If so, I'd like to suggest the perfect match for you: The University Glee Club of Philadelphia. Here's why no other post-grad club is such a "good fit" for us Penn types:  

Back in 1932, a group of recent Penn Glee Club grads decided that  they missed singing together, so they went to their recently retired director -- the famed H. Alexander Matthews -- and persuaded him to help organize a graduate-level glee club, which he then directed. While the UGC gradually evolved into a club that includes graduates from many different colleges, it's a fact that, in its formative years, the University Glee Club of Philadelphia was made up exclusively of Penn men -- in effect it was the first Penn GCGC!

I was a member of the UGC starting in the early '90s, and served as president in '99-'00. Unfortunately, my hearing began to tank shortly thereafter (too much Mahler at excruciating volume) and I had to drop out. But I still create and produce the club's concert programs, even from my new home on Cape Cod.  

Over the years, the University Glee Club -- like any organization -- has had its ups and downs. 25 years ago, it boasted 50+ members. Today, it has less than 20, but can still make great music. All it needs is some able-throated help to bring it back to top form. That's where guys like you come in!

The UGC rehearses Wednesday evenings, September through early May, on Belmont Avenue near City Avenue. Rehearsals are lively and fun, under the able direction of Bob Kestler, head of the LaSalle GC, and many members like to gather for dinner before hand. They generally sing four or five Christmas concerts in December, and an equal number in April and May. The club library contains over 500 pieces -- college songs, sea chanties, show tunes, traditional seasonal songs, classical pieces, you name it. 

Intrigued? I'm sure Bob Kestler (tenor...@msn.com) would be happy to answer any questions you have, and invite you to sit in on a rehearsal. If nothing else can motivate you to join up, consider this: the UGC's treasurer graduated from CORNELL. Are you going to take that lying down?

Drink a highball!

Cordially,

Allan Dash, C'62

40 Amy Lane

Yarmouth Port, MA 02675

508-362-7014

(I'm second from left on the second row, if you can see the picture of the PGC in '60 with Monty and opera star Elaine Malbin.)