Te x a s A & M Un i v e r s i t y
Century Singers 2009-2010
Ye a r b o o k Vo l u m e V I I
Fa c e s
This year has brought a lot of changes for the Century Singers. New locations for rehearsal and Showcase have led to some unexpected challenges and costs for the choir. To counteract this, the members have really had to share their hidden talents, connections, and possessions for the good of the choir. Everyone has done their part and really fostered a sense of community in the family that we call Century Singers. This yearbook is meant to show just how important each and every member is to the choir.
by Nicholas Badger
The Officers
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here is no other organization at Texas A&M where I feel more at home than in Century Singers. I never thought that when I first went through my Pollard workshop three years ago that I would have made so many wonderful friends who genuinely care for one another. Thank you each and every Century Singer past and present for making me feel so at home at Texas A&M. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Century Singers president this year. We have seen a lot of changes this year, but the Century Singers family has persevered. Our transition to the Commons basement was made so much smoother by the sacrifice and service of fellow Century Singers seeking to preserve the wonderful community that finds its home in the CAO. We have accomplished a lot as a choir with Verdi’s Requiem, Showcase, and Spring Tour. Many members stepped up to help move Showcase off campus, and our performance was a rousing success. For the first time in three years, Century Singers had its own Spring Tour to the Dallas area. Spending the tour with 83 of my closest friends (that includes you too Mr. Wade and Mrs. WP) was hysterical at times and musical at others. Thank you Officer Board. You have taught me how to be a better leader and a motivated me to be a better Century Singer. Century Singers was lucky to have you serve this year through such a flurry of change and activity. Thank you Mr. Wade for making my life more musical and definitely more entertaining. I have learned a lot from the man behind the mustache, and I am deeply grateful for your hard work and passion for Century Singers. May God bless each of you in all you do.
Oliver Thoma President
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Eric Gallegos Vice President
owdy, guys! First of all, I’d like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be on the board this year. Being an officer continues to be a rewarding experience that I am no doubt very grateful for. I remember my first (and only semester) that I was not in Century Singers. I felt there was no possible way I could find my footing in such a large university; then I met you all. As corny as it may sound, you guys are definitely what make my days that much better, and I am not just saying that to say it. Being an officer has allowed me to create close friendships with many people that I will cherish for years to come. It has been a great experience being able to serve as your vice president and it has definitely been rewarding. I will treasure those memories I have created with all you guys, as well as my fellow officers. Whether it is being freaked out like no other when Leslie Anne, Nick, and I thought Patrick was some crazy axe man at Messiah’s Ranch or playing Pokémon with my fellow members on our way up to Dallas for tour; it is little things like this that make a huge difference in my life. We, as a choir, have overcome many obstacles this year. We were able to make the Commons basement our new home as well as pulling off an amazing Showcase in a new venue. I can easily say that the officer’s jobs would have been ten times harder without the help of you guys. You guys are what make this organization what it is. Not only are we an 83 mixed choir group but an 83 member family that is there to support one another. I love you all and I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us. Finally, I’d like to thank you Mr. Wade. Thank you for your passion towards music and thank you for allowing us to continue our passion for singing. None of this would be possible without you and words can’t even begin to express how grateful I am for that.
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don’t have any theme music to play, jokes to impart, or bears (excuse me, marsupials) to utilize, so I’m not sure if anyone will actually be able to read this without losing focus. However, I might hazard a guess that a few of you could’ve paid attention to my boring announcements, all the same, so you might be able to finish 300 words or so without stopping to watch Family Guy (who can resist?). Last year, I would often sit for hours before rehearsals and read by myself. This year, I felt compelled to always be with you, and that is not something I can say lightly. Century Singers serves as a daily reminder of how many good and wonderful people there are at Texas A&M. I can’t imagine a group that better balances social cohesion with ‘why so serious?’ organizational proficiency. Last night ended our semester’s performances, but the memories and the music will remain in our minds for much longer – especially Voice Dance II… especially Voice Dance II. We have accomplished much as a group, and I wish you the very, very best of fortune on your season next year. I have enormously enjoyed my time in Century Singers, and being treasurer has been a rewarding experience because of my fellow officers, serving with my Producer, Oliver, and all of you. As you leave this place today, I ask one more favor – and no, it isn’t to work a concession stand tomorrow. It is to spend just one hour focusing on your time in Century Singers, your goals, and you. With all the dedication you have given to this group, dedicate your life to a worthy purpose, and once you have chosen your path, pursue your happiness with everything you have. You owe it to yourself, and to us. And when you need help and support, Century Singers will be waiting, for as Shakespeare put it, “love comforteth like sunshine after rain.”
Pa t r i c k R e i c h e r t Tr e a s u r e r
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ey guys! I have missed every single one of you this spring semester and I hope you all had a great year in Century Singers! It broke my heart to have to resign from my position of serving y’all as secretary, but it was a decision that had to be made for the sake of my education. You all mean the world to me and I hope to be returning in the fall! Century Singers has taught me so much these past few years and has helped me grow as a person and I have you all to thank for that! I’ve enjoyed every single moment in both being a member and being able to serve as two different officer positions. I’ve had more fun than I could have ever imagined. Century Singers truly is a special group that bonds through the music we all make together. And the memories made at every retreat, TNFT, and concert will stay with me forever. Mr. Wade, you have no idea how much I miss you! And I know you miss me just as equally… especially my whiteboard drawings for announcements. You always brightened my day. To all of the Century Singers I know and love, I miss every single one of you and I had a blast this past fall! And to all the new baby spring Pollards, I can’t wait to meet y’all! I can’t get over the fact that there are people in Century Singers that I don’t know! Let’s change this! CS Love.
Allison Harbin Fall Secretary
I love to hear a choir. I love the humanity to see the faces of real people devoting themselves to a piece of music. I like the teamwork. It makes me feel optimistic about the human race when I see them cooperating like that. – Paul McCartney
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et me begin by thanking you all. I had a fantastic semester and it was because of each and every one of you. I have waited a long time to be a Century Singers officer, and though how that happened was a little unexpected, I have enjoyed every minute of it. You would not believe how this experience, even just one semester, has changed me. I have become a better public speaker, even though I know sometimes it is hard to listen to me babble. I have become a better photographer, so thanks for being my unwilling models. I have become a better leader, singer, and friend. Overall, because of you, I have become a better person. This year in Century Singers has been such a pleasure. It has been amazing to meet all the new Pollards and get to better know the old Producers. We have accomplished some great things together. I’ve never seen us have as many tough times as we did this year, but we have pulled through it all. We have made our new location in the Commons into our home. It seemed like our schedule was packed, but we made each concert better than the last. I had never experienced a real Century Singers tour before, and when we went to Dallas I had a fantastic time talking to everyone. I look forward to spending time with all of you next year. In the most amazing way, Century Singers brings every member together and creates friendships as strong as family bonds. While the quality of our music is good, the quality of our friendships is better. My college experience thus far has been wholly changed by my time in Century Singers. Because of that, I can happily call this place my home. So, thank you Mr. Wade for being the director that enables this all to happen. Thank you officer board for choosing me to serve this choir. Thanks to all the members, past, present, and future, for singing with me. Thank you for your friendship. And thank you for being my family.
Nick Badger Spring Secretary
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L e sl i e A nne Frazier Performance Manager
ver since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to join Century Singers. When I came to College Station as a freshman, the first thing I did was head to the CAO to audition. Little did I know that this organization would become so much more than just an organization. Like most of you, Century Singers has become a family for me, an escape. I can honestly say that in three years I have never thought, “I don’t want to go to Century Singers today.” To be with people day in and day out that share your greatest passion, is indescribable. Being Performance Manager has been one of my greatest challenges. And I have loved every minute of it. We were able to pull off a fabulous Showcase this year off campus thanks to help from all of you. To my Showcase Chairs: Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU. Thank you to everyone that was involved whether you were in an act or you helped iron table cloths. I could not have done this without you! As for tour, I could not have asked for a more fulfilling experience. Again, you all helped achieve such a successful tour. Caroline and Danielle, I love you. Y’all never cease to make me smile. That’s all. ☺ Finally. Mr. Wade, THANK YOU. Your never-ending help, thoughtful ideas, and most importantly, your encouragement, never went unnoticed. Thank you for guiding me through this process. Thank you for allowing me to take the reins, and thank you for always being there. You will always have my utmost respect. Century Singers holds such a special place in my heart, thanks to you all. Never stop making music. Music, the greatest gift that mortals know, and all of Heaven we have below. –Joseph Addison
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love learning. I am going to make it through college, no matter how tough my courses get, because I love learning. Century Singers, the organization and the people that embody it, teaches me something new almost every day. I have learned the importance of cooperation and teamwork. Without either, a goal can easily come crashing down, but with cooperation and teamwork come support and so many new opportunities. I have learned through observation and experience about many aspects of the relationships between people. People can be cruel. They can also be the unique and perfect prescription for a broken heart or an overly stressed brain. Luckily, I more often find the latter in this organization. Possibly the most important lesson I have encountered is how dry your fingers become after folding and stapling two hundred table tents. Something I love equally as much as learning is laughing. I cannot count the number of times Century Singers has given me the opportunity to laugh. I have laughed while watching Mr. Wade’s faces as he reacts to officer announcements and at his mumbled but hilarious remarks during rehearsals. I have laughed with my friends in the office while we hang out or study, developing the space as our second home. I have laughed during officer pictures, as Abby and Katie, knowing the way to my heart, quoted lines from Anchorman to provoke a genuine smile. (Thanks, you two.) Above all else, I love to sing. This choir provides me a set time, four days a week, to do what I love and I am so grateful for it. Thank you, to the entire group, for giving me such a vital outlet, and for letting me serve on your board for an entire year. Thank you, to my good friends, for getting me through said year. You know who you are. And thank you, Mista Wade, for being such a creative, good-humored, mumbly, and classy person and director.
Caitlyn Downs
Publicity Representative
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K at i e S h o e m a k e r
Pollard Representative
J e s s Wa d e I I I Director
hose of you who know me well (or pay attention to my announcements) know that I tend to just kind of…. blurt. Things that truly matter are hard for me to express. While I was trying to figure out what to write here, I Googled “quotes for goodbyes,” hoping to lean on the words of others to fill this space and adequately get across the way I feel. At the bottom of the page, I saw the words of Old Irish Blessing, and I realized that those words are all I really need. My dear fellow Century Singers, I hope that God holds you in the palm of His hand, and that every time you sing those words you truly mean them. I have immensely enjoyed every moment of this past year. I will treasure the good and the bad, and hold the memories in my heart forever. This job has taught me a lot about myself and this past year has been an amazing challenge and experience. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity, as well as to have an amazing board to share the experience with. To Mr. Wade: thanks for putting up with me. Making you raise your eyebrows or shake your head was a daily goal of mine, and I think you got to know me a little better in the process. To my wonderful Pollards: you guys rock. I have really enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you, and I can’t wait to get to know you better, and I’m so glad you decided to become such a dynamic part of this choir. I do apologize for making you move those risers.☺ I hate goodbyes, I hate endings. Thus, I refuse to see this as any sort of end. I can’t wait till next year, for all the adventures in store for this amazing group of people. To those of you who are leaving, I wish you the very best in all that you do, and you should go out into the world knowing that you are dearly loved and will be dearly missed.
A n d r e a We lt y - P e a c h e y Accompanist
Poll a rd s
Rudy’s TNFT
Abby Anderson
Krystal Aragon
Jaci Bryan
Kelsi Cade
Travis Campbell
Pollard-Producer Picnic
Dixie Carroll
Jessica Click
Cavalier Coffield
Blaise Cole
Maegan Cook
Tie-Dye TNFT
Brittany Coomber
Laura Davis
Kathleen Doeling
Clara Dreyling
Kyle Flynt
Fa l l R e t r e at : P i x a r
David Garcia
Jessica Godwin
Austin Hardegree
Audrey Harry
Holly Hogan
Gr a n d Stat i on T N F T
Jace Kerby
Mitra Khumbatta
Meg Limegrover
Meghan Lindinger
Mayra Loera
Concessions
Mariana Lopez
Samantha Maddux
David Moreno
Andrew O’Leary
Paulina Romero
Capture the Flag
Nancy Romo
Martina Schneider
Ryan Seybold
~ Fernando Trevino
Julie Urbis
Ve r d i ’ s R e q u i e m C o n c e rt
C e n t u r y S i n g e r s 2009-2010
Producers
Hocus Pocus Halloween TNFT
Matt Abbott
Elizabeth Antholzner
Tiffany Archer
SolĂŠ Artiz
Caroline Badalamenti
Thanksgiving Potluck
Andrew Barrera
Kelley Baxter
Alison Bennett
Brad Bowen
Jenna Christopher
Ho l i day S pi ri t o f Ag g i e l a n d C o n c e rt
Jacqueline Coleman
Courtney Crosby
Bryan Day
Nikki DeLeon
Jessie DiCarlo
Progressive Dinner
Jeremiah Domingo
Karen Duong
Rebecca Duvall
Emily Eisenrich
Edward Espinosa
Spri n g R et re at : C lu e
Colin Frazier
John Galindo
Lauren Guerra
Reed Harris
Hannah Harrison
Spoons TNFT
To y S t o ry T N F T
Andrew Haynes
Jackie Hebert
Mollie Honnas
Caleb Hotze
Jewel Hudson
Basketball
Jennifer Jagielski
Amanda Jones
Nathan Kasten
Gregg Kite
Sarah Knieriemen
Showcase
How Sweet the Sound
Lauren Kotlarz
John Lake
Jared Longoria
Monty Maisano
Blake Martin
S p r i n g To u r : Da l l a s
Ryan McMasters
Haley Mims
Kristen Moffatt
John Ortiz
Erin Pilcher
P h o t o S c av e n g e r Hu n t T N F T
Stephen Powell
Nicole Riedesel
Jordan Rogers
Alex Schaaf
Andrew Schaaf
Dublin Dr Pepper
Karaoke TNFT
Lindsey Sheridan
Polly Smellage
Kelsey Stephenson
Austin Tutt
Danielle West
H o w t o T r a i n Yo u r D r a g o n T N F T
Mace Williamson
Ronni Wolford
Fan Zhang