Service through Song:

Alpha Eta’s Weekly Singing at the University of Florida’s Historic Century Tower

by Alex Jenks, Southeast District Vice President of Programs Alpha Eta - ΚΚΨ University of Florida

The past three semesters have brought lots of exciting changes to the Brotherhood as COVID-19 guidelines endorse more social interaction in society. As chapters across the nation move back to in-person operations, there are a myriad of opportunities for our organizations to return to serving our bands and communities again. Alpha Eta was undoubtedly eager to get back to serving the University of Florida Bands and the Gainesville community. Starting in Fall 2021, our Music Director, Anna Held, (Spring 2021, 3FA) implemented a unique, accessible, and equitable way for our Brothers to serve the UF community through music. That service is through song, most notably, singing.

The return of in-person music service quickly reminded us of the logistical challenges which accompany having public performances and proper equipment distribution. In the fell clutch of circumstance, Alpha Eta turned to our most accessible instrument, the voice. Voice rehearsal is an integral part of many Alpha Eta chapter gatherings. We host a music rehearsal every chapter meeting as a part of the Music Director’s officer report and during each candidate lesson. These rehearsals reinforce the idealistic goals of our work and remind Brothers of the power which voice can spread music in the community. We have worked diligently to learn many beloved school songs and fraternity tunes, preparing us for such singing music service. To put these practices to use, Alpha Eta has started a recurring music service opportunity we affectionately call “Century Tower Singing.”

The University of Florida’s iconic Century Tower is a carillon tower in the center of campus. It was built in 1953 to commemorate the

University’s 100th anniversary and serves as a memorial to students and alumni who fought and died in WWI and WWII. This tower has deep importance to the UF and Gainesville community. Located just North of the music building, it serves as the perfect backdrop for Brothers to complete this musical service. Century Tower Singing currently occurs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during a class transition. Every semester, the Brotherhood votes on the desired time, enabling the greatest attendance. Recently, we have associated themes for the days including “Alma Mater Monday” and “We are the Boys Wednesday.” This service is voluntary, conducted by the chapter’s Music Director, and the ensembles that gather each session are unique. While the ensembles are ever changing, the songs we sing are consistent in our hearts and deeply cherished in our community.

The beauty of this service is seeing how a simple act like singing school songs brings immense joy to the community. Students, faculty, campus tourers, and Gainesville residents walking by extend smiles, Gator Chomps, applause, and some even stop to watch us perform. Brothers get to enhance musicianship, foster brotherhood, and serve the community through these intimate gatherings. Getting the Bros together to sing has brought Alpha Eta so much more success than we could’ve imagined. Our Brothers are excited to sing and spread music in the community. Century Tower Singing constantly reminds us of our core values and why we do what we do. It reminds us of the love we have for our school, our bands, and most importantly our Brothers!

I hope this story inspires chapters of KKY and TBS across the nation to adopt a similar music service opportunity, affording members the opportunity to experience similar joy and success as we’ve had.