1971-2011
Texas A&M University
Century Singers est. 1971
A History of the New Tradition Singers and the Century Singers
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Congratulations on your 40th year, for 33 of those years I have had the privilege of watching this group grow, mature and become the fabulous group that they have become today. I give Jess Wade total credit for the groups success. It also gives me great joy to see how hundreds of former Century Singers as well as current members love and respect this man and realize how much his students mean to him. I pray that everyone who has ever been involved with this organization will reflect back on their time at A&M and the time with CS will be one of the high-lights of their college career I think of you often, miss you always and love you forever.” – Missy Holloway
Special Thanks Compiled by Nicholas Badger and Caitlin Kaluza with assistance from Courtney Crosby, Samantha Maddux, and Katie Shoemaker and designed by Nicholas Badger out of our undying Century Singers love.
The Century Singers rehearse in the basement of the Memorial Student Center during the fall of 1979.
The Century Singers rehearse in the basement of the Commons during the spring of 2011.
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Century Singers was my family at Texas A&M. It made me become an outgoing, fun-loving, care-free person. When I think of the fun times I had at Texas A&M, the first, strongest, and clearest memories are all Century Singers related. I still have every single plate that was signed at the end of all of the retreats I attended; these are my most prized posessions from Texas A&M. If I could, I would relive every single daily rehearsal, concert rehearsal, concert, tour, TNFT, Muster, Showcase, BVC/ BVSO event, retreat, and the Italy trip. I wish I could hear every mumbled quip I heard from Mr. Wade again. More than that, I wish that I could hear the other 99% of the quips that I never heard because I was sitting in the third or fourth row. My Producer and Pollards are still the coolest people alive. Century Singers was, and will always be the essence of Texas A&M and college. Thank you all for being such a strong foundation in my life. God bless every one of you.” – Trey Towers Class of 2007 Biology Graduate Student, Fort Hays State University
Creating a New Tradition
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n the beginning of the year, I had always been in community choirs and church choirs growing up… and I couldn’t imagine myself at A&M and not being in a college choir of some sort… so I thought I would go audition for Singing Cadets. I had met a friend at Fish Camp … named Lee Edminson and we both were incoming freshmen and we both auditioned and he got in and I didn’t… So, I said well, I need to go talk to Mr. Boone and find out what happened and what can be done… He said, “What I needed was a little more vibrato in your voice in the audition.” So I said, “I think that this campus, which has 13,000 students of which close to 1,300 are women, it seems to me that we could use a mixed chorus. Would you be willing to direct or help us find a director for a mixed chorus on campus?” He jumped at the idea. Mr. Boone said, “I agree with you. The time has come for a mixed chorus and I would love to direct a mixed chorus. So if you will pull it together and get it organized, I will direct it.” Together with my friend Lee, who got into Singing Cadets ,we started figuring out how we could organize it. Of course, what we needed to do was advertise. So we put up about 40 signs around campus. Our very first meeting was February 19, 1970 in G. Rollie White Coliseum. For our first meeting, we had about 60 people show up and it was almost perfectly balanced… with no auditions or anything. One of my thoughts I had about it was that a good choir would be self-selecting, and auditions shouldn’t be necessary. People who can sing in a good choir will be drawn to it, and people who can’t will, in most cases, very quickly realize that they don’t fit and they will drop out. Auditions don’t tell you how much they really want to be there. That was the first night, and Mr. Boone had several pieces of music ready for us. However we didn’t perform the first piece until Thanksgiving. It was November 23, 1970 at the Thanksgiving service at the All Faiths Chapel. The pieces were “Make a Joyful Noise” and “We Gather Together” by Wallis Hornibrook. Both pieces were performed in English and did both in the context of a worship service. The type of music I had in mind was pretty much the same type of music still being done: a very wide variety of music including the type of music the Singing Cadets did all the way up to classical and church choir. We rehearsed on Thursday nights and then later Monday nights in G. Rollie White 119, which was the Singing Cadet’s rehearsal room.
My sophomore year, we had a set of officers and our work was to pull things together - trying to get the organization working. We did not start out as an MSC organization; we had to start out under the MSC umbrella. But, we thought it would be a good idea to do that, and the MSC thought we should do that; because, the MSC began contacting us to find out who our leaders were and if we had a constitution on file … I said, “We‘re just a choir!” But, Mr. Boone agreed with the idea that the MSC would be good to have affiliated ourselves with, and I did too... I just hadn’t thought of it. I was just a freshman, I hadn’t been there long enough to realize that, so we officers spent a good part of the year writing our first constitution. I became the first president of the organization - that was scary. I was really glad the MSC took us under their wing and I think Mr. Boone was, too. It gave the organization a staying power it may not have had otherwise. Mr. Boone seemed to be very pleased with the talent level. It was a group he felt he could work well with. Having only one rehearsal a week made it a little more difficult to pull things together. It led to only a couple of rehearsals a year. We didn’t have many people who couldn’t, with at least a little bit of work, sing well on key. Everyone could do that. It really worked pretty well. A&M, at that time, had just come off within five years of being all military and all male with no fine arts program. People didn’t come here for fine arts, so it was amazing to find even as many as we had who could sing so well. Mr. Boone was really pleased with it and we all had a good time together. I loved rehearsals. Not any one in particular, but I love watching a director, a good director, take voices and make music out of them. How he would go about getting us to create musical sounds instead of a bunch of people together singing like a hymnal in church. We were all serious about singing, and we didn’t have a strong social organization. That was something I have learned later. A lot of the music a choir makes comes out of the fellowship they have together. Music is not just something we all do together in rehearsal, it comes from our hearts and souls. The music an organization makes comes from its heart and its soul, or it is not music. – Bob Jarvis,
President of New Tradition Singers 1971 exerpts from an interview conducted in 1996
Originally published in
The Battalion
Thursday, October 22, 1970
New Singers Set Show For Thanksgiving By Charles Masterson Battalion Staff Writer
The Memorial Student Center Council and Directorate will show off its newest program when the New Tradition Singers, a mixed A&M student singing group, will perform for a Student Y Association Thanksgiving program Nov. 23 in the All Faiths Chapel. “We’re really quite a unique group and are having lots of fun,” Leilani Sanders a sophomore zoology major and secretary for the group, said. “Bob Jarvis organized us after he failed to make the Singing Cadets,” she continued. “He knew there were a lot of students, especially girls, who were interested in singing.” Robert L. Boone, choir director for the Singing Cadets, acts as advisor and director for the ten-month old, 50 member group. Miss Sanders said the Thanksgiving program will be the first public appearance for the group since their formation in January of last year. Miss Sanders disclaims that the Singers are modeled after any other singing group. “We are open to any type of songs. Our Thanksgiving program will have songs such as “This Is A Great Country’ and ‘Say It with Music,’” Miss Sanders said. “In all, we will sing about 16 or 17 songs.” The group is open for membership until Friday. The Singers practice each Monday night from 7:30 to 9:30 in the Singing Cadet Room No. 119 in G. Rollie White Coliseum.
The New Tradition Singers sing in All Faith Chapel on November 24, 1975 for the annual Student Y Association Thanksgiving program.
Anyone interested in joining the New Tradition Singers can call Miss Sanders at 846-4626 or Robert L. Boone at 845-1515 before Oct. 23.
An Interview With a Director “Coach” Robert L. Boone 1971 to 1976
This interview with Robert Boone was conducted in 1996. He passed away in 2002. For those who don’t know, would you please offer some background on yourself? I was born and raised in Maryland and went to West Nottingham Academy. It was a college preparatory school, and I also spent a few years in public high school as well. That is where I first started singing. Then, I went to the Marine Corps and was a medic during World War II. I got out, married and went to the University of Houston, where I was a pre-med student and stayed in that for about three years. I married just before I started school and I met my wife in Houston while I was on leave from the USS Saipan. After three years, I determined that it was going to take me twelve more years to finish medical school and do my internship. I wanted to have a family and a home more dearly than I wanted to be a doctor. The whole time I was in pre-med I was in the University Chorus and all of the musicals and shows. So I graduated from the University of Houston with a BS in Music, which is very unusual. Dr. Les Richardson, who was Superintendent of Schools, here in College Station, came down and interviewed me on Saturday, and I came to work on Monday, I was supposed to start a music program at A&M Consolidated. The first couple of years, I taught the whole school music, K-12. I did that for seven years. I got so busy rehearsing, anywhere from 6:30PM until midnight, that it got to be too much. So, after seven years, I left for El Campo, Texas, and taught choir and drama. At the end of the second summer, I received a call from Mrs. Rudder (wife of Col. Rudder) stating that Dr. Turner was leaving Texas A&M to become head of the music program at Stephen F. Austin Univ., and I should call and apply for his job. I applied, and William Stark hired me. I came up here and began directing the Singing Cadets and was the Musical Advisor for Student Programs in the MSC. How did your first few years at A&M go? We started Friday night shows down in the MSC basement, which had never been finished it was just dirt floor. But, the guys had nothing to do on weekends... they didn’t travel like students do now. So, we had this
little “coffee shop,” served popcorn and drinks, and had some entertainment. We started the music program in the Browsing Library. We organized the library and brought in music systems, some recordings and so forth. I was an advisor for Student Government for several years, and I directed the A&M Talent Show, the predecessor to today’s Variety Show. We would then go to the other schools’ like SMU, Baylor, UT talent shows, audition some groups, and bring them down for one grand affair in G. Rollie White Coliseum. I also directed the Aggieland Orchestra. It was a fun time, but it was a tough time because we weren’t getting much budget. We had to scrounge a lot. We borrowed music from practically everybody in the country. I started rehearsing the Singing Cadets in the old music hall, which was a two story framed Army barracks which was right at the end of Joe Routt Blvd. at the Corps area. We worked there every day. They finally condemned the Music Hall after six years and built a new rehearsal hall
for us in G. Rollie White. The Cadets worked there from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day. When I got here, A&M was all Corps and all guys. That changed in the late 60’s, and the gals started arriving. But, they didn’t have any outlet for performing or singing. I was also having to turn down a lot of guys for the Singing Cadets simply because of balance. So, we started a mixed chorus. We did and auditioned everybody the same way, girls and guys. We called the group the New Traditions Singers because it was a new tradition as far as the girls were concerned. It was the first recognized organization on campus in which they could participate. We started to get so many beautifully qualified young ladies auditioning that we could not accept because of balance problems. So, Patty Fleitas and I started the Women’s Chorus in 1979. Back then A&M had its centennial and we renamed the group the Century Singers. When did the choirs move to the MSC? We moved into the MSC in August 1974. Boy, it was first class compared to anything we had before. We quickly found out, however, that it was too small. The groups had all grown to about sixty members apiece, and all the groups were rehearsing everyday. It was tough. The MSC gave us that addition and it was great. There’s still some crowdedness, but I don’t see further expansion until A&M might get a fine arts department. I doubt it, because music departments are so expensive. I think the only reason we don’t have one now is because it costs so much for the facilities and faculty. What were some of the major performances the New Tradition Singers did ?
it took a long time to overcome it... you know, the differences of the beasts. Century Singers do classical music, in the main, along with spirituals and show tunes, and they do them very well. Both Century Singers and Singing Cadets have both worked with symphony orchestras. The whole program began as a recreational music program. It had no aspirations to become important, to do important things, or to go to important places. But, it has become that now. It is a very natural evolution and one of which to be proud. The Century Singers should be very proud of what you do and what you have accomplished, especially with limited resources. It’s rather amazing. Could you explain the evolution of that tradition and why there is not more joint work between the groups? I agree, but part of the problem is time. It is all a matter of finding the time. The Christmas Concert is always great. Everybody gets to do their own little shot, and then the Hallelujah Chorus is a “blaster.” I do think that it is great. When all 250 of you get up there to sing, it is really great and it was the logical thing to do. It used to be that the Singing Cadets did a music program in the MSC somewhere, like the steps up by the fountain. Then, the Century Singers started doing a Christmas program somewhere in the community. Women’s Chorus did the same, So Patty Fleitas and I got together with Mama Mac, and June Bering and decided that we really needed to put this together. And, I don’t know how it evolved, but the logical choice was the Hallelujah Chorus to end. Are there any memories or people from your days with the VMO or A&M which really stand out in your mind?
The New Tradition Singers did not go on any major trips, unlike the current Century Singers. During my time, we got together to sing more for pure fun than to prepare real programs. We read through a lot of music. I’d pass out as many as fifteen and twenty copies during rehearsal, and we would go through the music and find some things we liked and concentrate on those parts. But, we never did anything from a performance standpoint which was spectacular. We were trying to build a harmonic group.
I was thrilled to be able to have a group like the New Tradition Singers start. When I came here, I had never done an all male group. I had done high school choirs, church choirs, and mixed. It was good to get back to that. There are certain things you can do with an SATB group which you cannot do with an all male group and vice versa.
Could you tell us a little about the early days of the VMO? Any good times, or sad, that stand out in your mind.
I just want everyone to know that I wouldn’t have been able to do all of these things without the help of Missy Holloway. She really ran the show. Sometimes, I joked that she really ran things and I only stood in front of the Singing Cadets and waved my arms.
We had good times and some bad. We had some indecisiveness in the organization. That hurt us, and
There have been highlights: Mike Douglas and Ed Sullivan Shows; going to the White House; Chicago and out of mainland trips.
1970 - 1979
“The Lettermen,” Chris, David, and Mitch sing “I Believe” at the 1978 Century Singers spring concert.
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My favorite memory is meeting the gorgeous girl I wanted to marry, Bebe Braudt ‘76. Then figuring out a way to con her into saying yes.” – Tom Braudt Class of 1977 Grand Potentate, Braudt Solutions
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I joined what was then the New Tradition Singers in the fall of ‘74. Some of my fondest memories are of “VMO Mixers” that we held at least once a semester- huge affairs involving the members of all the choral groups and vast quantities of trashcan punch! And now I have the privilege of an Aggie daughter who has also been a Century Singer, allowing me a glimpse of what the group has become in the 30+ years since I was a member. I have to admit that the group is considerably better musically than it was in the ‘70s, but what really warms my heart is the cohesiveness I see in the group that was missing during my tenure. Century Singers has evolved beautifully and I’m proud to say that I was once a part of it!” – Susie Anderson Class of 1978 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist “Ante up!” Members of the choir play cards at a game night during the fall of 1979
Century Singers members get to know one another better by playing a string game at the end of the 1979 fall semester.
Sammie and Peggy strike a serious pose while singing P.D.Q. Bach at the Century Singers annual spring concert on April 28, 1978.
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I entered A&M during a snow storm in January 1972. I tried out and became a member of New Tradition Singers as a soprano. We sang modern and pop songs. I can’t remember if it was that fall or the next year we changed names and style, becoming Century Singers singing classical music. My all time favorite song was “He Watching Over Israel” by Mendelssohn. Close second was the closing Old Irish Blessing. Coach Boone was a wonderful director, and we had such good times. One funny incident was when my mother visited and I introduced her from Louisville Kentucky. Natives pronounce it as Luh-vul. No one had ever heard of it, until I told them that most people know it as Lou-eyville. They made fun of my accent (which I never had) for the rest of the year!”
Nancy Theeman directs the choir on the annual choir trip in Houston, November 10, 1979.
– Lee Wilder Class of 1974 Senior Interpretive Specialist, San Antionio Missions National Historical Park
Stories From the Early Years of New Tradition Singers
H
owdy, Ags!
I thought I’d share a couple of anecdotes from early “It was forty years ago today, Sergeant Pepper New Tradition Singers/ Century Singers history. First, the recruiting method which was used to get some of taught the band to play...” us into the choir was pretty interesting. In the fall of In 1971, a group of Aggies who loved singing decided 1973, my friend Tom Braudt and I had just attended an to start a mixed chorus at Texas A&M University. This organizational meeting for the new Symphonic Band, was a big step in a number of ways. which was just getting organized that year. It sounded First, this was the first organization at Texas A&M to like something we both wanted to join, until the director be open to both men and women. Second, there were was asked about dress codes, hair length, and other no music courses at TAMU, much less a music school. anti-hippie-type rules. He said that they wouldn’t be too Third, no one knew whether such a group would have restrictive, but men wouldn’t be allowed to have hair any staying power. Fourth, they had to talk someone over the ears or collar, or have any facial hair! Well, this into being the director. was the early ‘70’s, and many of us had long hair, beards, etc. Remember, this was the 70s, when we actually Here we stand, 40 years later, taking a look back. had hair. So, we walked out. As we were leaving, two And a look forward. The New Tradition Singers (1971members of the NTS accosted us and asked us if we 1976) were strictly an on-campus group at first. They were interested in music. They knew we were, because were singing in the Chapel, rehearsing in a room under we’d just left the band meeting. They said that there was the stands at G. Rollie, and laying the foundation for a choir on campus looking for a few men who could what has become an excellent vocal group which has carry a tune in a bucket, and that there were girls in performed across the country and internationally. The the choir. Well! At that time, the male/female student best records we have show that over 1000 voices have ratio on campus was still about 4 to 1, and this looked been part of the organization over the last 40 years. like a great opportunity to improve the odds. So, both What was Texas A&M like 40 years ago? It was Tom and I auditioned with “Home on the Range” and growing fast, but at 11,000 undergraduates and just joined in the fall of 1973. Tom stayed in for two or under 15,000 total enrollment, still not a monstrously three years, and I stayed for six. I wonder if anyone else large university by most standards. But of the 15,000 remembers being drafted that way! students, less than 1800 were women. G. Rollie White, Now how did the Century Singers get its name? In the Hollerhouse on the Brazos, was home to the Texas 1976, the university was celebrating it first hundred A&M men’s basketball team - and to a brand new choir. years, and the choir decided to adopt a new name that Kyle Field had two decks. The MSC was just beginning would go along with that celebration. Several other to be expanded, and would open two years later. possible names, now long forgotten, were suggested, but the one that stuck was the Century Singers. We’ve been known by that name ever since.
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In the fall of 1973, my friend Tom Braudt and I had just attended an organizational meeting for the new Symphonic Band. It sounded like something we both wanted to join, until the director was asked about dress codes, hair length, and other anti-hippie-type rules. He said that they wouldn’t be too restrictive, but men wouldn’t be allowed to have hair over the ears or collar, or have any facial hair! So, we walked out.”
Finally, how did new members get to be called Pollards? Here’s the real story: In the spring of 1979, we had just finished what would be the last spring concert that I’d be in as a member of the Century Singers. After we listened to the tape of the performance, we sat around and discussed some reorganization issues. One issue that came up was that the choir needed to have a name for the new members. The Cadets had called their new members “Buffos”, after the clown character in Italian comic operas, but our new members were just “you new guys”. One of our members, Sammy Logan (also a member of one of A&M’s early women’s track teams) suggested that the new members be called Pollards, since I had been in the choir “for so long”
Rick Pollard sings his famed “Peg Leg” song. As a member of the Century Singers for twelve semesters, Rick held the record for the longest “living member and earned the honor of having the new members of the Century Singers named after him. The Pollards are the Century Singers first year members and they are responsible for moving equipment and setting up for concerts.
(all 12 semesters). That was by far the longest that any member had stayed in the choir up to that point. The record has been blown out of the water by one of the current members, but that’s another story! Anyway, people generally thought that calling new members Pollards was a good idea, and the name stuck. Of course, I was flattered to be famous at such a young and tender age.
of us who had not come from a choral background, that was like a small miracle! I bet everyone who was in choir that day remembers The Overtone.
All of us remember something special about our days in the New Tradition Singers/Century Singers. Those of you who have been in during the last 10 years have made this choir into a social phenomenon, doing lots of things together while you are in school, and keeping your The funny part of the story is that my wife Kathy and I friends from the Singers as some of your closest friends moved off for a number of years, and lost touch with the for years afterwards. choir soon after 1979. We moved back to Houston from Some of you may be wondering why we are working California in late 1989, and the next spring, we decided so hard to contact all the Formers and trying to get on a whim to go see the 1990 spring concert. Imagine the group active and alive. Well, as I said, every one our surprise when the choir officers were introduced, of us remembers some special times and special people and one of the officers was “the Pollard Representative.” from our time in the Century Singers. Now it’s time We cornered the “Pollard Representative at the postto create some new memories and to make some new concert reception and made her tell us all about the friends, and to join together to help the Century Singers Pollards. Then I introduced myself to her, and after she did a great double-take, she said, “We thought you keep growing into a world-class choral group. We want to help recruit new voices, to help promote Singers’ were dead!” performances in our hometowns and around the world, One of my favorite memories from my time in the and to provide real, lasting support to the choir in the choir happened during a rehearsal with Ms. Margaret form of scholarships and awards. We want you to join McArthur, “Momma Mac”, while we were getting used us in making the Association of Former Century Singers to our new rehearsal space in the “new” MSC. At one into a group that bands together for service, fellowship particular point in one of the pieces we were rehearsing, and music. And we want to preserve the New Tradition everyone heard a soprano voice singing a note which that was started 40 years ago by a few men and women was high in the chord, but was not written in the music. at a college that had never had a mixed chorus. Momma Mac stopped us and had us work that section “It was forty years ago today…” Gig ‘em! again and again, hearing the same note each time. But it turned out none of the sopranos were singing that note – Rick Pollard ‘77 (the original Pollard) it was an overtone, which few of us had ever heard of, and President, AFCS which none of us had ever actually experienced. For those
An Interview With a Director Margaret MacArthur 1976 to 1979
This interview with Margaret MacArthur was conducted in 1996. She passed away in November 2008. For those who don’t know, would you please offer some background on yourself? I was born in Missouri, the Show-Me State, so you know you need to show me as far as singing or anything else is concerned. I went to school at the University of Missouri for my undergraduate degree. We moved to Texas when our two older children were quite small. We moved to San Antonio first, then Victoria, then here. After we moved here, I was involved with music in the community. However, I didn’t start teaching until my youngest was in the early grades. Then, I taught at A&M Consolidated High School for three years. Then I decided that I better stay home and watch after the youngest. That lasted for about a year. Then, Mr. Boone called about a month before school started and said he was overloaded with students in Music Appreciation and asked if I could take one section. I said yes because I thought it would be nice, part-time work. Well, you don’t do anything part-time in music. So, that involved being there alot more than part-time. Second semester, it was two sections of music appreciation. By the following year, it was three. By that time, Mr. Boone was beginning to be very, very busy with the Singing Cadets and with the New Traditions Singers and the Reveliers. He was so involved, he needed someone to take over the New Traditions Singers, simply because they thought they were getting the short end of the stick. He didn’t have enough time to spend with them. He approached me, and I said, “Okay, I would”. I took over the year they became the Century Singers. How were those years as far as putting together a choir? Do you have any favorites? At that time, I was looking for warm bodies - especially male warm bodies. We had a lot of good girl’s voices, but few men. So, we had to reduce the number of women to balance the men. The men who could match a tone got in. I was blessed with a couple of good tenors and a couple of fair basses, but I was very short of men. I would say that I was lucky if l had 10 or 12 men. We did do some very fine things though. We had the
first appearance of the Century Singers with a major orchestra, The San Antonio Orchestra and the Century Singers, along with the Singing Cadets, sang in Rudder. The Century Singers did the Pinkham Wedding Cantata and combined with the Singing Cadets for another piece. It was very interesting and good considering we didn’t have that many people in (the choir) at that point. We also did a major performance of the Elijah where we talked Mr. Boone into singing the part of Elijah. He did a magnificent job. The music writer of the town was thrilled with Mr. Boone singing the part. It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun. All of the rest of the solos were done by members of the choir. The Chopin piece we did was very difficult. It is an 1812 piece with piano solo accompanied by the choir. I was very fortunate with the Century Singers that I had exceptionally fine accompanists. I remember another time at a Christmas Concert with the other VMO groups where the Century Singers sang the Rachmaninoff’s Ave Maria. That is one of my favorite choral pieces. They did such a wonderful job
that when we went offstage Mr. Boone called me over and told me, “Well, you outdid us this time.” That was a high point as far as quality of performance. How were VMO relations when you came into the group? It goes in cycles. When I went in, there was friction between the groups. When I went in, I knew this was for the birds. All of the groups needed to really work together. So, we began having joint parties. We had some great parties there. We also started the idea of reciprocal ushering. Century Singers ushered for the Singing Cadets and vice versa. We also tried to get some joint committees going to get over this jealousy thing. With Mr. Boone and Mama Mac working together with the officers, I think it became a much more habitable place to be and much more family oriented. It is a big family. After you left Century Singers, how did your career at Texas A&M progress? Well, I went 100% to teaching. I taught several classes of Music Appreciation. When the woman who directed Century Singers and played for the Singing Cadets left, Mr. Boone was without an accompanist for the Singing Cadets. I became the accompanist for the Singing Cadets on an emergency status. I was teaching full time, and that became a little tough to do, I was grading papers on the bus. It was a little rough. All and all, I ended up teaching 19 years at A&M. What was your most poignant memory with Century Singers? At the end of a Spring Concert, we were doing a PDQ Bach Cantata. It was The Seasoning. They all had their own costumes to appear in. I had the solos assigned to various people. I still didn’t have a strong enough group that I could have people who could substitute very well. On the night of the concert, I had Joy and Denise, who were coming from a party in Sommerville. Joy was in the lead car and was in this horrible accident. Denise recognized her, they were cousins and stopped immediately. Joy had a rough time. They didn’t know if she was going to live. Denise went to the hospital with her. I got this call at a quarter to seven, and the concert was at eight. I was about to leave for warm-up. They were both lead soloists. So, I was looking and looking and looking. I was very rattled. As we were going on, I stopped two girls and said, “We have a problem. ” Faye Kieffer was one, and I said “You need to take this solo.” And they said, “Sure” They both did fine. At the end of the concert, before we did the Old Irish
Blessing I announced that I wanted to dedicate this concert to Joy. It was hard getting through the OIB, but it was very meaningful. By the time we were all done, they had given me this armload of flowers. As we were finishing up, and I was going to my car, Denise found me and told us that Joy was out of surgery and was doing okay. I gave her my flowers to take to Joy. It was something. The only ones in the choir who knew anything before the concert about Joy were the two I pulled aside. What do you see for this group, and Texas A&M in general, so far as music is concerned? What, if any, advice do you have for any future directors and singers? I don’t know what the future of music is at this university; I know that they are under tremendous budget restraints and they cannot replace people who leave. I have no idea what that will mean for the academic end of the program. As far as the singers in all of the groups, I believe that they are the voices of A&M, I believe that anyone who comes to A&M to conduct needs to know what A&M is all about. It isn’t like any other university choral group. It won’t be treated that way and maintain the respect and support people have for the groups. The Mother’s Clubs and the Old Ags support the band and the voices of A&M because they feel they are really putting forth the spirit of A&M. There is no other school like it. I like the warmth, the togetherness, the family we have in the VMO. I hope it remains the family feeling and togetherness and you don’t get into the competition with each other. I hope that it doesn’t happen because there is strength in numbers and there is strength in the unity of the whole program together.
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The majority of my years were spent singing under the very capable direction of Margaret “Momma Mac” MacArthur. Coach was a second father to so many of us, and Momma Mac was mother, sister, doting aunt and friend. She scolded us, praised us, cooked for us, loved us; she was the best.” – Susie Anderson Class of 1978 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
1980 - 1989
Director Patricia Fleitas plays musical chairs at the beginning of the fall 1987 semester during an icebreaker game to give members a chance to meet one another.
During the spring 1986, the Century Singers wash cars during their car wash fundraiser.
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What I enjoyed the most was the really awesome people I sang with. My favorite memory was singing the Haydn Creation with all the Aggie VMO family, UT Concert Choir and the Brazos Valley Symphony. The practices and the performance were amazing, even if the UT director kept calling us Bass II guys “baritones” all the time. Some of the friends I made 26 and 27 years ago are still among my closest friends today. Finally, one of our performances really impressed the girl I was dating; we’ve been married 25 years in August.” – Wes Copas Class of 1985 Instructor of Anthropology, San Antonio College
The spring 1980 Century Singer officers, Samie Logan, Keith Saathoff, Susan Sann, Ika Todorovic, and Sandy Kowierschke pose on the piano bench in the Flag Room of the Memorial Student Center.
At every Pollard/Producer party, each Producer is assigned a Pollard. The Producers watch over their new members and help them through their “Pollard-hood.” At this particular party, during the fall on 1987, officers were thrown into the pool fully clothed to show the new members just how fun the organization could be. Though the event’s name changed to Pollard/ Producer picnic, the tradition is still around today.
Century Singers members take weekend camping trips during the fall of 1989.
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I loved all of the friendships I made with everyone in the group. I loved all of the fun, even during practices. My favorite song, out of all the wonderful songs, was the “Old Irish Blessing” at the end of each performance. Handel’s Messiah was wonderful to learn and perform. I also loved the small amount of traveling we did (not like the far-away places the CS go now). Nancy Theeman, our director, was great to work with. Wow, how do I list it all? That was back in the day when we couldn’t major in music, which I would have done if it had been available. I love music and the way it makes me feel. Century Singers was a great outlet for my love of music.” – Latitia Kavanaugh Hedrick Class of 1982 Instructional Aide, Rolad Reynolds Elementary School
Nancy Theeman directed the Century Singers from 1979 to 1982.
The Association of Former Century Singers: A Brief History
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he fall semester of 1988, the beginning of my fifth and final year at Texas A&M University, marked a sort of passing in my college career the first time in four years that I would not be singing with the Century Singers. As a student worker in the Vocal Music Office, I was able to maintain almost daily contact with many of my friends who were still singing in the choir, but it just wasn’t the same. Most of my closest friends from Century Singers were about to graduate or already had. And as the spring of ‘89 arrived, there were fewer and fewer familiar faces coming through the VMO front door. I finally realized that I had moved on to “life after Century Singers.” But my involvement with the choir had been all-consuming the previous four years (as my pitiable transcript can well attest). The nostalgia in me created a deep concern that I might forever lose contact with those people who were so much a part of my college experience. It was that nostalgia that prompted me to look into an organization for former member of the Century Singers. I had heard that at least one attempt had been previously made to form an association for formers, but it apparently was not successful. So, I decided that it was time to take the necessary steps to establish an organization. With the help of a few other formers who were still living in the Bryan/College Station area plus never-ending support from Missy Holloway, I embarked on a two-year campaign to assess interest in and gather support for an association. After a series of questionnaires, a newsletter, and numerous undeliverable address update cards, we were finally organizing the first reunion for former Century Singers. It all came together on Saturday, October 27, 1990, when a gathering of at least thirty to forty former choristers adopted the by-laws of The Association of Former Century Singers. In the years since it was founded, the AFCS has been directed by three Executive Boards, each of which has worked diligently to bring in new active members while trying to maintain a high degree of annual membership renewals. The AFCS has organized annual reunions to provide members the opportunity to gather and reminisce about old times as well as meet current members of the Century Singers. Additionally, the organization has for several years co-sponsored the reception following the Century Singers’ Spring Concert. Donations by members have allowed the AFCS to award several scholarships to members of the Century Singers. These efforts are ongoing, and each subsequent
J.D. Wallace, as the president of the choir at the time, is about to be tossed in a swimming pool at the fall 1987 Pollard party.
year provides new challenges and opportunities for members of the AFCS to maintain active support of both the formers’ association and the Century Singers. The purpose of the Association of Former Century Singers, as stated in its governing by-laws, is “to provide a link between former members of the Century Singers” and “to support the current membership of the Century Singers.” Membership in the AFCS provides for the different needs of its members. Some merely want to get involved in the social functions of the group while others only want to provide financial support directly to the association and, indirectly, to the Century Singers. So, no matter what the reason is for joining, former Century Singers are joining and renewing on an annual basis. I encourage each current member of the Century Singers who knows that he or she may be leaving the choir soon to join the AFCS. If for no other reason, join now to indulge your longing for the past. – James D. “J.D.” Wallace, Jr. ‘88,
Treasurer, AFCS
Sponsoring a Commissioned Piece
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n celebration of the Century Singers’ 40th Anniversary in the 2010-2011 academic year, the Association of Former Century Singers is proud to have commissioned a choral work to be premiered by the Century Singers at their Spring Concert in April 2011. The AFCS has engaged Mr. Ola Gjeilo (pronounced Yay-lo) for the commission, an a capella choral piece voiced SATB divisi. The music of Manhattan-based Norwegian composer and pianist Ola Gjeilo has been performed and recorded in more than 30 countries worldwide in venues such as New York’s Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall, Los Angeles’ Disney Hall, Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center, Washington DC’s Kennedy Center and National Gallery, as well as the Copenhagen and Oslo Opera Houses. His music has been featured on PBS and radio stations across the U.S. Mr. Gjeilo has been commissioned by several notable artists and organizations, such as Barbara Bonney, Solveig Kringelborn, Philip Brunelle, the Edvard Grieg Society, St. Olaf College, Luther College, Taipei Male Choir, Oslo Church Music Festival, and the ACDA Women’s Choir Consortium. His choral music has also been performed by elite choirs such as the Kansas City Chorale, Conspirare, World Youth Choir, VocalEssence, BYU Singers, and the Swedish Broadcasting Corporation’s Radiokoren.
Ola Gjeilo b. 1978
The Sun Will Come The sun will come. But now, only the sound of waves, Gently lapping; Like the shallow breath of a sleeping giant. The sun will come. It will come and illuminate the vast expanses, As black loses black and becomes violet. The sun will come from behind the cliff, Like a friend back from a long night’s journey, Bringing gifts of gray and white and gold. Text from “Sunrise” © 2006 Charles Anthony Silvestri
After studying for his Bachelor’s Degree at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, the Royal College of Music in London and the Juilliard School in New York, he completed his Master’s Degree in composition at Juilliard in 2006.
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My favorite thing about Texas A&M is that it’s a huge school, but at the same time it’s made up of small communities. My favorite memories were hanging out in the CAO after rehearsal, officer meetings, events, etc. The CAO was our community, our family while at A&M. We laughed together and made fantastic music together.” – Caitlin Kaluza Class of 2007 Search Engine Marketing Manager, Schipul
An Interview With a Director Patricia Fleitas 1982 to 1988
For those who don’t know, would you please offer some background on yourself? Originally I’m from Havana, Cuba. My family moved to Texas in 1967. First we lived in Marlin, Texas and then we moved to Bryan in 1969. We still have our family home although everyone is really gone except for my brother’s two sons and his two grandchildren and daughter-in-law. I travel now at least twice a year to see them. Unfortunately, it is when you are also on break. I have kept up with all your wonderful success through my wonderful friend and sister, Missy Holloway. I am currently a professor of music and director of choral and vocal studies at Florida Atlantic University. I conduct the University Chamber Singers and the newly developed ensemble, ¡Cantemos! I was the 2001 recipient of the Florida Atlantic University Faculty Talon Award in recognition of exceptional leadership, commitment, and service to FAU students. I am also a recipient of the 2003 - 2004 award for excellence in undergraduate teaching. Prior to joining the music faculty at Florida Atlantic University, I was associate coordinator of choral programs at Texas A&M University, College Station. I have a Master of Musical Arts and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Performance from the The University of Texas and I also have a bachelor and master degree in music education. What type of organization were you expecting when you came to A&M? Well, the way I started at TAMU was kind of unconventional. I had moved back home to Texas from Florida to audition for the University of Texas Austin (yup! sorry). I called to see if there was anything going on at A&M to see if I could gather a group to record an audition. Mr. Boone opened the doors to me and not only did he recruit a little group for me, but also allowed me to use the rehearsal room in the VMO. When all was said and done, he also recorded for me. I worked with a group of Aggies for about six weeks and then I submitted my audition. I attended UT for the academic year 1977-78 and during the summer of ‘78 went to a Schubert Festival in Feldkirch, Austria. I traveled Europe for two months and then upon my return I had a message to call Mr. Boone about something having to
do with a job. It just so happened that Mama Mac had to have emergency surgery and he needed an interim director for Century Singers until she was ready to return. Well, of course, I was not about to pass on that opportunity. While working with the CS during the Fall of ‘78, Mr. Boone decided that he needed a Women’s Chorus for the overflow of ladies that could not be accepted to the CS. When he offered me to direct it I said to him that I would love the opportunity but that I was not going to conduct a “dumping ground,” but I would build him a fine Women’s Chorus. I will never forget his smile. He said, “okay, that’s good. Can you start this group in the Spring ‘79?” The rest is history as far as the WC was concerned. It was not until 1982 when Nancy Theeman resigned, that I took over the Century Singers. The appointment was indeed an honor for a young woman who was highly motivated in developing as a conductor. At the beginning it was a little challenging because the students in CS loved their former conductor. Transitions are always difficult for the in-coming person.
It was a good first year of music and from that point forward times were great. I stayed at TAMU for period of ten years, 1978 – 1988. During this time I completed the Master of Music degree in choral performance while commuting from College Station to Austin from (19781980). The Century Singers performed my major work requirement for my graduate recital. Nancy assisted as collaborative pianist in the performance of Francis Poulenc’s Gloria. A freshman by the name of Paula sang the soprano solo. Leaving TAMU to return to UT Austin to complete my doctorate was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my career. I have a split heart when it comes to Aggies and Longhorns. I am only a Longhorn when that game happens on an annual basis. So, to answer your question more specifically, I had no idea what I was expecting at TAMU but it has been a curse ever since I experienced the quality of student, love for singing, organizational characteristics, etc., etc.. I expected that when I accepted this job at FAU and the exact opposite was the case. I had to build a program and a culture that was non-existent. It was a few years before I stopped yearning. Now that we have a program, a lot has developed but my model for student pride, dedication, organization, etc., etc., will forever be what Mr. Boone developed at TAMU. I always refer to my experience at TAMU as my fifth degree. What kinds of expectations did you walk with into this job in so far as the musical talent level of the group? I was so young! I definitely had standards and knew what I was doing but I did not have the experience to have the expectations I would have if I was walking into a situation today. What changes occurred in the group under your direction? Well, it was under my direction that we got the Former’s Association going again or actually started. Musically, we all kept growing. It became more structured and repertoire changed. We also had the first major tour outside Texas for the group. It was a fine group when I came in and I did my best to keep it going and help it grow to its next level. You know, Texas has been known for its support of music in the schools. There were a lot of students who had come from great high school experiences, including singing in All State Choruses. Sight reading abilities were very impressive so really, I just kept it going. I did tighten
up the uniform situation. I am a little obsessed with uniformity, i.e., all skirt lengths had to be the same! What moment(s) here at A&M caused the most concern for the future of the choir? I never experienced a moment of great concern. But one of the greater challenges was to promote the group and give it the “personality” it deserves. I always worked very hard to not have the CS, or WC, walk in the shadow of the Singing Cadets. What I mean by this is that I really wanted each group to be unique in its own way rather than trying to be the Singing Cadets. We were a department that really supported each other. Each group did its own recruiting and believe it or not, there were students who wanted to be specifically in CS, WC, SC, or Reveliers. Competition between the groups was non-exitent. I worked very hard at that. After you left Century Singers, how did your career progress? It progressed as planned! I moved to Austin, focussed on getting my doctorate, got a church job in Lago Vista, and a graduate teaching assistant award at UT to build the Women’s Chorus at UT. Upon completion, I applied to FAU, got the job, and here I am! I love it down here in South Florida. I have the best of all worlds: Miami is only 50 minutes away, west Palm is 30, I do not have to fight traffic as I live only 5.5 miles from work, and, I live right on the beach. I love my job, my students and where I work. I have had nice conducting opportunities and I have also returned to my research on choral music of Latin America. I travelled to Colombia last summer and received another research grant to return this summer. What is your favorite memory of your time with Century Singers? I have many. Actually, the entire experience is a wonderful memory. We had the opportunity to travel to New York and Canada and that was fun! I was very proud when composer, Lukas Foss, came to talk to me in New York after a rehearsal of Beethoven’s ninth because he had noticed that my students (the ones with the t-shirts) were so well prepared and were actually leading in the rehearsals. That was a memorable moment, I must admit. Is there anything you would like to add? My tenure in Aggieland made a huge different in my life; not only the program, but the people I met. I was never, and will never be, the same!
1990 - 1999
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I am so glad that I found Century Singers when I transferred to A&M! The group of people that I got to sing with was great, and I’m friends with many of them to this day. We had a fantastic time singing in Europe together, and I really felt so honored to be a part of Aggie Muster when we sang with the other Aggie choirs.” – Shannon Waters Class of 1998 Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, Comal ISD
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Christina Mayo and Frank Reddick set up for Brazos Valley Mardi Gras on February 7, 1997.
My favorite memories of Century Singers include the entire choir wandering through the streets of Paris on the way to perform at the Basilique du Sacre Coeur singing ‘Hiver, vous n’êtes qu’un villain’ and leaving Mr. Wade completely speechless after singing ‘If Ye Love Me’ during a Sounds rehearsal.”
Mr. Wade dresses up as a cowboy for the Century Singers 1994 Halloween party.
– Ross W. Jarvis class of 1995 MicroComputer Specialist, Office of the V.P. for Research
Mr. Wade presents section leader and officer awards at the end-of-year banquet in the spring of 1992.
The 1996 fall retreat at Aerofit was the night before an away football game so the Century Singers had a Yell Practice. During the “Aggie War Hymn” the silly juniors thought they could get away with saying “reload”, so they had to PUSH!
At the 1992 Christmas party, members played the annual white elephant gift exchange. The wind chimes were once a recurring gift, but they haven’t been seen for a few years.
At the fall 1998 Pollard/Producer picnic, Pollards hand off their Pollard books to get signed in order to meet every other member.
Century Singers, Charlie Hemmeline and Melis Brush, help plant a tree at the 1996 Replant Day.
Some Observations on the Last Twenty-Three Years by Director Jess Wade III 1988 to present
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n many ways, I am a very lucky and blessed individual. I have had the honor and privilege of directing the Century Singers for twenty-three years – over half the life of the organization. My principal career goal was to help people make great choral music at a university level. And the choral organizations at A&M have allowed me to fulfill that aspiration. I am lucky because, before me, there had been four other wonderful directors also dedicated to advancing choral music and this organization. When I arrived in the fall of 1988, I found students anxious to build on the reputation they had begun establishing and an institution that was willing to let those goals be advanced. And, though there have certainly been some challenges along the way, the choir has continued to grow in numbers and in quality. One of the challenges facing us has been the fact that, while known for many great things, Texas A&M has not been recognized nationally (or even state-wide) for its outstanding music. It has even been a relatively recent occurrence to have a “Music Department” as part of Performance Studies. But even what is now offered is not a Performance degree or Music Education degree, and there is not a great deal of recruitment that would encourage large numbers of trained singers to come our way. That has created some challenges in promoting our organization to potential members. However, we have had at least two things going for us. The first would be the fact that a great many musically talented students come to A&M to major in other degree programs, but are passionate about being involved in a choir in some way. We even have been fortunate to have a high percentage of our singers be former All-State choir members. The second would be the dedication of all our students to produce the finest performances possible in every situation. Eventually the word gets out that we exist and are an organization with which potential singers would be proud to be involved. I think a third aspect of the group that has continued to attract outstanding singers (and audiences) is that they know they will not only be performing high caliber choral music, but that the music comes from a wide range of music. The Century Singers have been privileged to perform for many important functions and in a wide variety
Director Jess Wade in a “moment of musical mastery,” warms the choir up before the morning church service performance in San Marcos during the choir’s 1998 spring tour.
of incredible locations. For the past twenty years, the Century Singers have performed a major choral/ orchestral work annually with the Brazos Valley Chorale and Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. This has provided students with experiences that many college choirs never get to have and has provided them with another level of choral literature beyond what is possible with just the normal sized choir. We have sung for Academic Convocations, special Texas A&M anniversary celebrations, library celebrations, the annual Muster ceremony, the Bonfire Memorial dedication, and many other functions on campus. The Century Sounds performed in Qatar for the dedication of the new A&M campus there. We were featured on the program of a Southwest American Choral Director Conference convention. And we yearly travel to different parts of
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I truly can’t pinpoint one memory or experience or song as my favorite. All four years of my membership were full of amazing times and experiences. But if I had to point to one thing, it would be the people. Those 80 people who became your family members who were always there for you, to sing with, to laugh with, to cry with. And then there’s Mr. Wade who is in a class of his own. That’s what truly made Century Singers great.” – D’Anna Woodmansee Class of 2007 Business Development Manager, Deer Oaks Mental Health Associates
the state of Texas to take the message of great music happening at Texas A&M. But the Century Singers have expanded their reach to beyond our state borders since 1988. In the spring of 1988, just before my arrival, the group traveled to New York City to perform in Carnegie Hall. We also have traveled in the Midwest performing in Missouri and Arkansas. However, the real excitement has been traveling with this group of wonderful singers outside the United States. We have performed in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Ireland, England, Greece, and twice traveled to Italy. Many great memories have been made on those trips, not the least of which was singing at mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. And, while we certainly have sung in some outstanding locations for amazing audiences, perhaps one of the best parts of these overseas experiences has been knowing that I am with some of the best people in the world that have always proven to be wonderful ambassadors, both for the university and our nation. For me the overriding goal has always been to make great music. That is the main reason we have all come to Century Singers. But a very close second has always been the people. I have had the distinct privilege to work with some incredible students over the years who have become great friends. The leadership aspect of the Student Organization component of the Century Singers has allowed me to meet and work with outstanding individuals. The plaque in the office with the names of the Presidents and Outstanding Members is a who’s who of students who have gone on to achieve great things. Working with the officers offers me the opportunity to get to know them in a way that I don’t often get to with other students. And that is seldom something that disappoints me. They each have had something wonderful to offer. And then there are those others, who might not have served in an officer position, but have kept in touch and continue to fill me in on their
lives. Facebook, of course, has been an incredible gift for keeping in touch with former students. Every time one of them pops up with what they are doing, or a new baby, or an exciting move or career change it makes me very proud to know them. And, yes, every time I make contact with a former Century Singer, I ask where they are currently singing, because I know they have a great gift and talent that can be enjoyed and shared throughout their lives. Where do we go from here? In another year, Choral Activities will be back in an expanded and renewed space in the Memorial Student Center. The university continues to grow, even in difficult financial times. There are students here for whom involvement in choral music is important. Hopefully, we will continue to grow, both in numbers (additional choirs?) and the kinds of choral experiences that are offered. At some point, it will become time for me to move on. But my time here will only have been worth it if that choral legacy can continue to improve and grow. That is my wish for the Century Singers on this fortieth anniversary.
Kelley Baxter, Mr. Wade, and Jenna David stand in front of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece while on the 2008 Century Singers international tour.
2000 - 2011
Courtney Crosby and Haley Knight perform an act at the 2009 annual Showcase held in the MSC. Showcase is typically a dessert theater and fundraiser for the choir.
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Century Singers is your college familythat’s what makes it so great. It was always the best feeling walking in to that basement and you knew you had a home. It didn’t matter that you were in a school with 40,000+ other people. It’s where you belonged. Your mom was there - for me it was both Missy and Vickie - whenever you needed her. Your dad, Mr. Wade, was always there with sound advice to point you in the right direction. And then there were your 80 brothers and sisters...to laugh with, to cry with, to share jokes with, to go on trips with, to dress up in crazy costumes with, and always to sing with. My favorite part about our amazing organization will always and forever be the ‘CS Love.’” – Haley Knight Class of 2009 Portfolio and Client Services Manager, PPCLOAN
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Century Singers will always be near and dear to my heart. Some of my favorite memories of Century Singers include working concessions with friends, singing in the amphitheater at Epidaurus, catching a secret moment with Mr. Wade and one of his “faces”, singing at Muster, secret retreat officer facebook messages, I.Squirt.U. stalking, and attempting to sing Old Irish Blessing on my last day and failing terribly to hold my self together but all the while soaking in every last moment I could, not wanting to ever forget a second. – Courtney Crosby Class of 2011
Gregg Kite carves the turkey on November 19, 2009 as the Century Singers celebrate Thanksgiving at their traditional potluck in the Kyle Field press box.
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My favorite memory was the Century Singers trip to Italy. Singing the 5:00 mass in the Vatican and getting a standing ovation is something I will never forget.
The 2005 Century Singers international tour of Italy was many members’ favorite memory of their time in the choir.
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– Courtney Moffatt Class of 2007 Chemistry and Physics Teacher, Trinity High School
Century Singers was a constant for me all throughout my years at A&M. Every day at our lunchtime rehearsal, I was able to hang out with my close friends and create beautiful music. My favorite memories were made on tours to Italy and Greece laughing on tour buses, eating delicious food, singing in beautiful venues, deep friendships, and inside jokes!” – Bryan Boyd Class of 2007 Software Engineer, IBM
This spring 2000 picture shows Pollard/ Producer Week, an event that takes place the week following Pollard/Producer picnic. Producers are responsible for taking their new Pollards to different Century Singer events to get them aquainted with the other members of the group. One night is typically Freebirds night as shown here. Other nights include family dress-up day, feed your starving Pollard day, and family night.
Memoirs of a Seasoned Century Singer
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or the 40th anniversary, I’ve decided to offer a smattering of what pops to mind, when I think across the years. I could fill this entire book, but two clear focal points emerge: first Mr. Wade and then second, performance memories with dear friends. Mr. Wade First, regarding Mr. Wade - Andrea Imhoff, our Australian and former accompanist, always said, “That man could get music out of a rock.” It’s true. Further, Mr. Wade could choose to work with monstrously talented music majors in a conservatory someplace, but instead he chooses us. He blesses us with his formidable skill, a wit that darts like lightning, and humor as dry as the desert. How unspeakably privileged we are. A study in patience, Mr. Wade endures the indignity of telling us six different times, in one rehearsal, where to put a single “s,” so that he can savor the joy of producing those sounds in us which will eventually, eventually emerge, come April. Thank you for choosing to make that happen. Thank you, sir. I wish all of you could have seen the Women’s Chorus concert, the one where I called up my friends after the onstage rehearsal I saw beforehand, and I said, “You have to come see this! Get over here.” That’s because Mr. Wade did- for shizzle- put on a habit, a nun’s uniform, and was Whoopi Goldberg, while he conducted Women’s Chorus in their “Sister Act medley.” He brought the house down, of course. Then for our Century Singers spring concert, who should graciously be persuaded to roll up his tuxedo pant legs, to conduct “Wade” in the water? It was Wade himself, who happens to have the biggest calves you’ve ever seen on a human, “Mommy-I’m-scared calves,” because he stands on tippy-toe every day, inviting us to stay on top of the pitch- to make that happen.
Mace Williamson wearing a necklace given to him by the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Brother Jess I remember the Baptist pastor, on our spring tour, who kept referring to Mr. Wade as “Brother Jess” throughout his sermon. And he’d ask Mr. Wade, onstage, for corroboration: “Isn’t that right, Brother Jess?” I’m not kidding: no less than fifteen times. And you thought staying awake in the choir loft was hard on tour. Busting a gut, trying not to laugh, might be harder. Dvorak We sang Dvorak’s music in the Czech Republic, in Dvorak’s hometown, as the only American choir ever invited to sing at the Dvorak Festival. I was scared to death. But the local Czech people loved us. And they clapped for us together, rhythmically in unison, giving us their highest honor. Dublin In Ireland I sang solo, on Shenandoah, for the Lord Mayor of Dublin, who honored the soloist by proceeding to hang around my neck the bling-est gold necklace you ever saw. It had been a Dublin treasure for hundreds of years. Alas, I had to give it back. Strawberries and Messiah I remember bible study, discussing Händel’s Messiah scriptures every Tuesday with Lisa Chapa and Caitlin Kaluza, and chowing down on strawberries at the same time. Apotheosis Brainstorming out loud, Charlie Hemmeline turned to me one day, and said, “Mace, I really want to start an a cappella men’s group at A&M. Do you think that would work?” And Apotheosis was born. Young Pollard Pollard On retreat at Messiah’s Ranch, I got to know the new Pollard, Jason Pollard, by listening to him talk about old cars. There at retreat he showed me the old classic car he was rebuilding. At the time, it hardly seemed more than a tin can with wheels, but Jason had driven it to retreat. He eventually finished it. It’s what he loved to do. All Night I loved talking around the campfire all night with Kelley Baxter and Andrew Till. I savored fighting with Cecile Mazzola to have the other retreat at Aerofit, so we could play in the ball pit. When else would you ever get to do that? I loved showing up at TNFT, where Chris Heflin told me he was going to be me for
Halloween! To mentor Tommy Belsha, Ryan Martin, and others who’ve asked for my guidance, is one of the richest things I’ve been given in life to do. I’ve loved hosting people at progressive dinner, and singing around my piano, cooking, watching fireflies, watching movies until the sun came up, with Brian O’Neal and company. Stars and Stripes and Partlow Forever How improbable is this? Justin Partlow, Century Singers tenor and Fighting Texas Aggie Band drum major, comes marching onto the stage of our holiday concert in Rudder Auditorium, during our last number, in uniform, mace in hand, conducting with it, to finish off our “Star and Stripes Forever” spoof of the “12 Days of Christmas.” And we singers all pull out 80 miniature American flags and start waving them as we sing. What are the odds? Rip Torn Justin’s appearance onstage then, as tenor and drum major, rounded out a Century Singers career that began really well, early on in his first semester. Here, fish Partlow saved the day by singing, as a solo, a part actually written for the entire section. It was so impossibly hard to sing, that Mr. Wade eventually asked fish Partlow to sing it alone. Our performance was for Cushing/Evans Library and for acclaimed motion picture actor, Rip Torn, who was on hand for the library to celebrate acquisition of its three millionth volume. Munich In Germany, hanging out late in Munich’s Hoffbrau House with thirty Century Singers was great enough for me. But Ryan Martin secretly paid the house oompah band, then handed me the baton,and the privilege of conducting the oom-pah band, complete with their traditional feathered cap for me to wear. Dachau Outside Munich, I was able for a second time, to tour the Dachau concentration camp from World War II. But this time, I was with my Century Singers friend Jason Krystal, a Jew. Corregidor I remember softly singing Mr. Wade’s Muster composition “In Memoriam” on Corregidor island, in the Philippines, in a quartet with Lindsay Kellum and Kyle Ingram, completely blind-siding the thirty other Aggies on our church trip. They were standing, in total darkness, with nothing but a flashlight on the plaque that marks General Moore’s headquarters deep inside the mountain, where Muster was held during World War II. The song was a complete surprise to our friends, and very deeply moving. The Best Despite my leading hundreds of tenor sectionals and bass sectionals (yes, I sang on the dark side back in the
Mace Williamson, in a rare instance, moves risers from the basement of the MSC to Rudder.
day), my best contribution ever to Century Singers has been as Chaplain - a job and ex-officio officer position that I inherited from my old roommate, Andy Bennett. The constitution charged me “to make the choir aware of the spiritual context of any sacred music we sing.” Freakishly devoted to Latin, and moderately devoted to God, I was made for that job. In rehearsal, on rare occasion, I would interject a quick note about text, especially if we had hit a rough patch in intonation or focus. On the next time through, once people had thought about the words, the music would instantly become music. That happened every single time, and it was thrilling to hear. To this day, in Bogoroditse Devo, when the basses drop out, and treble voices take off on the high lyrical part in the middle, I know they’re singing in Russian “Blessed are you among women” and it’s cool beyond words. My statements in rehearsal were very rare. Far more happened outside of rehearsal. Interested people would show up for what Deon Brewer used to announce as “textual healing.” Ha! We would look at the scriptures used by the composers, I’d teach key words if the text was in another language, and we would listen to recordings to hear amazing connections between words and music. That was the best. The Mainstay Remember my friends, nowhere else in the world is it possible to do what we have done. Pick anywhere. It’s either crazy serious music majors in a music department and not so much the Thursday Night Fun Things, or it’s a ragtag group of college students in a club that could never afford, or be assigned, a director of Mr. Wade’s caliber. So finally I offer my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Wade - my professor, and by default one of the bedrock mainstays of my life. But this isn’t just default. To be here is my conscious, deliberate choice, Oh Captain, my Captain. – Mace Williamson ‘96
Past Century Singer Presidents
“
Century Singers was a blessing in my life. Since graduating in 2008, I’ve had the great fortune to remain friends with my CS Loves. There are many of us living in the Houston area and we are lucky enough to see each other often. The people I met in Century Singers are my dearest and closest friends. I have great memories with them whether it was the things we did outside of choir, TNFT’s, trips to Greece and Disney World, or if we were just sitting in the CAO all night talking and playing Mario Kart on the big screen. Yes, Mr. Wade, we did that until 3 AM ;-). I hope that kids after me have the chance to be blessed like us.” – Jessica Bierman Class of 2009 Account Executive, Adcetera
1970 – 1971 Robert D. Jarvis
1990 – 1991 Jennifer Downward
1971 – 1972 Miles Vincin
1991 – 1992 Ruben Gonzales
1972 – 1973 Carol Silverthorne
1992 – 1993 John Paddenburg
1973 – 1974 Carol Silverthorne
1993 – 1994 Amy Minke
1974 – 1975 Debbie Richardson
1994 – 1995 Cyd Clark
1975 – 1976 Kathy Kiel
1995 – 1996 Tiffanie Stegall
1976 – 1977 Chris Watkins
1996 – 1997 Ross Jarvis
1977 – 1978 Janet Bills
1997 – 1998 Christine Seward
1978 – 1979 Susie Tyra
1998 – 1999 Cesar Ontiveros
1979 – 1980 John Steffes
1999 – 2000 Jonathan Pettibon
1980 – 1981 Sammie Logan
2000 – 2001 Jill Porrazzo
1981 – 1982 Elaine Kowierschke
2001 – 2002 Jonathan Pettibon
1982 – 1983 Ken Golden
2002 – 2003 Brian O’Neal
1983 – 1984 Steve Ard
2003 – 2004 Beccah Bradshaw
1984 – 1985 Jeffrey Wright
2004 – 2005 Seth Grugle
1985 – 1986 Elaine Knodell/ Lucy Peterson
2005 – 2006 Lisa Chapa
1986 – 1987 Brad Beard
2007 – 2008 Jessica Bierman
1987 – 1988 James D. Wallace 1988 – 1989 Michael Bohrnfalk 1989 – 1990 Joel Michaelis
2006 – 2007 Will Hailey 2008 – 2009 Kelley Baxter 2009 – 2010 Oliver Thoma 2010 – 2011 Eric Gallegos
Former presidents, Kelley Baxter, Will Hailey, Jessica Bierman, Lisa Chapa, Brian O’Neil, and Beccah Bradshaw stand with director, Jess Wade.
Old Irish Blessing May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, The sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand