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DirectorDr. Patrick Gardner
AdvisorDr. Peter R. Gillett
2016–2017Senior Officers
President
Pratik Shah
Treasurer
Kyle O’Brien
Vice-President
for Alumni Relations
and Development
Christopher Wolfe
Vice-President
for Special
Organizational Affairs
Patrick VanBernum
Business Manager
Patrick Phillips
Glee GabThe
The Official Newsletter of the Rutgers University Glee Club
Inside This Issue
Volume 35, Issue 1, Fall 2016
Our Homecoming Pages 1–2
Not Goodbye: See You Soon Page 2 Mason Gross
School of the Arts
The Rutgers University Glee Club is a performance ensemble of the Mason Gross School of the Arts
I go to one college football game a year. It’s not because I dislike the sport—photo albums at home can trace my life back to playing flag football as a five year old. I played on school teams up until I was a sophomore in high school, and since joining the Glee Club I’ve practiced and played for the Soup Bowl team. On the days my lucky numbers are drawn in student ticket lotteries and I do win tickets to games, I usually have prior commitments and hand my tickets off to someone else who can make good use of them. It’s for these reasons that I value Home-coming as one of the greatest college traditions. For a member of the Glee Club, Homecoming is an opportuni-ty not only to be a proud performer of the national anthem in front of thousands of peers and onlookers, but also to reconnect with old friends and brothers over America’s favorite sport.
Homecoming has been going on for so long that we’ve almost taken it for granted. Colleges have been inviting their alumni back for abundant celebration and camaraderie since the late 1870s. The true origins of Homecoming, however, are still contested to this day. Baylor, Illinois, and Missouri all claim the title of Homecoming creators, with their first celebrations having been planned around 1910. While some of the facts are unclear, the characteristics of Homecoming have remained the same for over a hundred years, with current students and alumni coming together to take part in rallies, parades, dances, and, of course, a spirit- charged game of football. These first Homecomings were extremely successful, as they pulled together alumni from around the country in a fervid celebration of their Alma Maters. This initial success caught on all
OUR HOMECOMINGBy: CHRIS WOLFE
across the country, and by the 1920s Homecoming had planted itself in the heart of American collegiate traditions.
Of all of the Homecoming stories I’ve been told about, one football game in particular comes to mind: the Rutgers v. Virginia Tech Homecoming Game, 1992. In one of the most impressive displays of athleticism and courage, under overwhelming odds, the Rutgers University Football Team led by quarterback Bryan Fortay came back from a deficit of twelve points in the fourth quarter. Winning the game on the last play, the Scarlet Knights fought hard to defeat Virginia Tech 50–49, even when students had begun to leave the stadium predicting defeat. What followed in the next few moments is one of the greatest displays of the jubilation of victory. The team rushed to swarm wide receiver Chris Brantley after his touchdown catch, while fans, including students and alumni, leapt from their
Members of the Glee Club at Homecoming 2015
Glee Club Shuts Down The BandPage 3
Singing For The President Page 4
Mike’s HuntPage 7
RUGC Performs In Washington, D.C.Page 6
Our Latest CD and DVDPage 5
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Ever ChangingYet Eternally
the Same
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Rutgers University Glee Club The Glee Gab2
2016–2017 Junior
Officers
Executive SecretaryJoseph Haverlock
SAS ‘19
Technology CoordinatorRyan Morey
SOE ‘18
Public Relations Manager
Larry FriedMGSA ‘19
Tour Manager
Thomas YoungGraduate School of New Brunswick ‘17
Music Manager
Joseph HaverlockSAS ‘19
Uniform Manager
Axel GonzalezSEBS ‘19
HistorianMax Ohring
SCI ‘18
stands and met the team in celebration of the victory. Moments like these are a testament to the Rutgers’ community and their love for the sport and for their Alma Mater.
Since the beginning of the Home-coming tradition, alumni have traveled across the country to rediscover that same sense of community and belong-ing that comes with the yearly cele-brations. All aspects of tradition are subject to change, however, once you throw time into the mix. The evolu-tion of Homecoming over the years has spawned new activities and celebra-tions that vary from campus to campus
across the nation, my personal favorite being the Charity Bed Races on College Avenue. Traditions shift as interests change and new ideas of entertainment and camaraderie are created.
With this understanding, I am happy to announce as Vice President of Alum-ni Relations and Development that the Rutgers University Glee Club will be hosting its first ever Homecoming Concert. We’re inviting all of you, our esteemed alumni, to perform with us at Kirkpatrick Chapel on the day of the Homecoming Game, Saturday, October 15! In the first concert of its kind, you will be able to perform the national
anthem alongside your brothers in song for the Homecoming football game, and again later that night for our loy-al concert audience. This is a chance to go to the most energetic football game of the year and reconnect with old friends. There will be time to go out with your friends before the concert, and to rehearse your favorite tunes. Not that you’ll need much practice! We hope you’ll join us in expanding the national traditions of Homecoming, and help us inspire others by singing classic Rutgers songs that we all know by heart and love to perform.
The recent graduating teaching as-sistants, Colin Britt and John Wilson, have made a significant impact on the Glee Club in the past few years. While pursuing Doctoral and Master’s degrees respectively, these two gen-tlemen have dedicated valuable time and effort to the Glee Club. From my personal experience working with both of these gentlemen, it was nice to see them progress as professional musicians during my time as a Glee Club member. Colin Britt entered the group three years ago to pursue a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) in choral conducting from the Mason Gross School of the Arts. It was the year after Daniel Spratlan, who had served as a TA for the Glee Club, finished his degree, and Colin was a perfect fit for the club. Colin is a man of outstanding charisma; he can make jokes and bring smiles to the faces of the choir without losing a sense of focus, a skill that sets him apart from most conductors. I per-sonally had the pleasure to sing with him for three years and play percussion for him for multiple University Choir concerts.
I had asked for Colin’s thoughts about his experience with the Glee Club and he had this to say: “What Glee Club means to me is that it is not only a defined musical organization, but the history adds significance to everything the group does. It’s very well connected with the lineage but also the Glee Club is just a fun group of guys who care about each other. I felt very welcomed to the family!” Colin is also
a prolific composer and arranger, and was proud to have his piece Quem Vidistis Pastores performed by the Glee Club. Taking his experience with the Glee Club into the professional choral world, Colin will be serving as the artistic director and conductor for the West Village Chorale in New York City. He will also be conducting the wom-en’s ensemble Amuse Singers, directing the North River Sing, and conducting three choirs at SUNY New Paltz.
My former high school choir teach-er, John Wilson, entered the group two years ago, taking a sabbatical from
teaching at Bridgewater-Raritan High School to pursue his master’s degree in choral conducting at the Mason Gross School of the Arts. John Wilson has a lovable sense of teaching and truly enjoys every moment of the process. John is certainly an in-spiration to me personally, and I can speak for the group in saying that he has certainly brought members of the ensemble closer together. I talked with John about his time spent with the group and he spoke with high praise.
“There is a certain camaraderie that exists within this special group of gentlemen. Though members all have different majors, we all come together for the love of music and that’s something I try to do any time when I’m with a group of mu-sicians.” I also asked him what Glee Club means to him and John com-mented: “The motto ‘Ever changing yet eternally the same’ really fits the lineage of excellence that exists here. Not only are you being a part of the group musically, you’re mak-ing a contribution and being a part of Rutgers history.” John will be
returning to Bridgewater-Raritan High School as the choral director. He’s also working as director of the Westminster Community Chorus and the Princeton Girl Choir high-school level ensemble.
I say with great honor that I get to call these two my friends, colleagues, and brothers in song. Remember this isn’t a “goodbye” but rather a “see you soon!” We wish you all the luck in the world! Keep an eye out for these talent-ed performers in concert venues near you! Their work is really something to experience.
NOT GOODBYE: SEE YOU SOONBy: DOMINIC PALOMBI
Congratulations to our TA’s! Here’s to their continued success
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Rutgers University Glee Club The Glee Gab The Glee Gab Rutgers University Glee Club
Ever ChangingYet Eternally
the Same
Have aquestion?
Feel free to contact
Chris Wolfe cpwolfe23
@gmail.com
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Mason Gross School of the Arts
GLEE CLUB SHUTS DOWN THE BANDBy: MAX OHRING
On November 22, 2015, the Glee Club played against the Marching Band in the 45th annual Soup Bowl. This year-ly eight-man team, full contact flag football game between members of the Rutgers University Glee Club and members of the Rutgers University Marching Band started in 1970. Legend says that a dispute ensued over which group would get to perform during halftime at the Homecoming football game. To settle this conflict, Glee Club and Marching Band members faced against each other in a friendly foot-ball game of their own—the winner of which would be that year’s performers. Forty-five years later, this tradition lives on, not to decide who performs at foot-ball games, but to present a shining trophy and invaluable bragging rights to its winners.
According to the Glee Club’s head coach and star wide receiver, Tyler Anderson, a senior playing in his final Soup Bowl: “The significance of Soup Bowl goes beyond winning or losing. It’s all about the tradition.” Anderson has played in the last four Soup Bowls, bringing with him experience, tact, and an appreciation for the game and its history. In a short interview, Anderson
reveals this, saying, “The Glee Club and Marching Band are two groups that rec-ognize the importance of tradition and play this game every year to keep that spirit alive. Although it’s a very compet-itive environment, and it can get heat-ed at times, this game shows that two groups can come together under one purpose: keeping to the tradition that F. Austin ‘Soup’ Walter started.”
The Glee Club is the perennial un-derdog because of our smaller number of available players, compared to the larger number of members in the band. To make up for this disadvantage, the Glee Club begins practicing for Soup Bowl in early September, holding prac-tices at least twice a week. Several mem-bers of the team play on both offense and defense, and almost all play in some sort of special teams. Despite all odds, behind the aforementioned Tyler Anderson and quarterback Gabriel Ber-rios, the Glee Club last year defeated the Marching Band 33–0, with Ander-son catching three of the Glee Club’s five touchdowns! Recent Sophomores Jason Rosen and Joseph Negro scored the Glee Club’s other two touchdowns, Negro taking a hand-off and turning it into a 90-yard run! Anderson took
time to reflect on the outstanding vic-tory, saying: “It was an amazing feeling. Being the coach of a team is a task that takes a lot of time and effort, especially when such intense bragging rights are on the line. Being able to lead my club to such a huge victory is a testament to how close we are as a club. We went out and played for each other and wanted to do our best for the guy next to us. Leaving the Glee Club with such a vic-tory is the only way I would want to go out.”
This win followed the Glee Club’s 25–13 win over the band in 2014. Needless to say, the Glee Club truly worked hard to deserve this iconic win. The Glee Club Soup Bowl Team hopes to uphold their winning streak in what is becoming their Golden Age of com-petition. For those that would like to attend, Soup Bowl 2016 will take place in late November with the venue to be announced as soon as possible. Keep a lookout on our social media sites for an announcement of the game. We would appreciate and encourage as many past and present brothers in song as possi-ble to cheer on the team! Don’t forget to wear red! One team, one game, one club!
Glee Club team members poses triumphantly moments after their victory
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Rutgers University Glee Club The Glee Gab
Ever ChangingYet Eternally
the Same
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SINGING FOR THE PRESIDENTBy: AXEL A. GONZALEZ
“…The President of the United States, Barack Obama!” were the words that brought thousands of graduates into a standing cheer, as for the first time in Rutgers history, on Sunday, May 15, 2016, President Obama became the first ever sitting President to deliver the university’s commencement address. Along with Rutgers celebrating its 250th anniversary, the President’s visit made the Commencement an unforgettable experience for the entire Rutgers com-munity.
When it was officially announced that members of the university choirs would be performing for the Presi-dent, I was absolutely overwhelmed. I could not believe that I was being given the opportunity to hear his speech in person, and to share our eighty-man strong sound with him. As a first-year student, I was intrigued to hear about the distinguished reputation of the university’s Glee Club. From stories of performances at Lincoln Center and ACDA, to various locations across Europe, the thought of partaking in such moments astounded me. Being
able to add the 250th Commencement performance in a stadium with nearly 50,000 people and President Obama to the list was a true honor.
Being in the presence of the Pres-ident and performing for him was in-credible, and a great amount of effort and work was put in to make such a rare occasion possible. Glee Club alum-nus and head of the Rutgers 250 Office Matt Weismantel provided informa-tion regarding President Obama’s visit. The idea of having the President speak at the 2016 commencement ceremony was first suggested nearly four years ago in a Rutgers 250 planning committee. From there the committee contacted Francine Newsome Pfeiffer, Vice Pres-ident for Federal Relations at Rutgers and Director of the University’s Office of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C., inquiring about the best course of action to take, to which she respond-ed that the earlier we try, the better.
With President Barchi’s approv-al, the next move was to construct an invitation letter to President Obama that included information on the
university’s history, the importance of the 250th Anniversary Commencement, the university’s close proximity to the media center of New York City, and the incredible diversity that makes up the university community. With Presi-dent Barchi’s signature, the invitation was hand-delivered to the President himself in the oval office by Rutgers’ alumni.
It was reported that President Obama was surprised at being asked so far in advance of the commencement. As part of the invitation strategy, the entire university community partici-pated in numerous follow-ups with the White House including videos, online petitions, and resolutions from student government. After all the effort, on April 15, 2016, one month before the 250 Anniversary Commencement, the White House informed President Bar-chi that President Obama would be the 2016 commencement speaker.
“I think his speech [was] the most significant event of the of the 250th Anniversary,” said Matt Weismantel, “as it showed what is possible at Rut-gers when we all work together and celebrate the incredible history and accomplishments of our university community.” We are grateful to Matt Weismantel and the Rutgers 250 office for their hard work and dedication, as the opportunity to perform for the President would not have been possi-ble without it.
Preparations for the performance were intense and meticulous. Just like the last three years, the Glee Club com-bined with members from the Uni-versity Choir, Kirkpatrick Choir, and Voorhees Choir to create an ensemble of over one hundred and twenty sing-ers. The other choir members worked professionally, and were quick to pick up the melodies of the Glee Club ver-sion of the national anthem. While ev-eryone knew The Star-Spangled Banner and had been singing it for years, Dr. Gardner rehearsed it as if we had never heard the national anthem before! We spent hours rehearsing, perfecting each chord and ensuring that every member of the choir sang everything musically, perfectly in tune, and with great un-derstanding of the text. Dr. Gardner, knowing the level at which we can per-form, would stop at nothing short of perfection.
We continued rehearsing through-out the day of the commencement ceremony. Shortly after we had arrived and settled in the stadium, Dr. Gard-ner did not hesitate to warm us up and
Mason Gross School of the Arts
President Obama joins in the singing of the national anthem
The Glee Gab Rutgers University Glee Club
Ever ChangingYet Eternally
the Same
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Rutgers University Glee Club The Glee Gab 5
ensure that we did not forget any of the improvements we had made over the last few days. As we filed into the press box full of reporters, we began to practice the national anthem. Report-ers from nj.com quietly filmed us and later posted a video of the rehearsal on their website. Even before the big show, we were broadcast across the nation! No matter the circumstances, we rehearsed harder than ever, includ-ing hearing a lecture on the national anthem and its origins. Anything to add more emotional investment into the performance!
Seated not forty feet from the podium where the President of the United States would deliver the commencement address, we anxiously awaited his arrival. The anticipation coupled with the wait was difficult. However, sitting in a stadium nearly full with family, university faculty, and graduating students, who all shared the anticipation, was proof that such a surreal moment was in fact happening.
We cheered along with the thou-sands present as the President made his entrance, and within seconds the announcement for the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner sounded. We stood as Dr. Gardner motioned, poised at his raised hands, ready to deliver. The performance flew by in an instant.
“Wow…” That is the word that President Barack Obama can be seen saying after our performance as he turned towards President Barchi next to him. We “wowed” the President.
The President came to Rutgers to deliv-er, and so did we. All that we worked towards had been a success. The time spent rehearsing was to prepare us to give the best performance possible for our President, and judging by his reaction we did just that. We hope we created a similar reaction when we sang Old Queen’s Bell later in the ceremony!
That moment was one of the most memorable that I have been fortunate enough to have. It is one that I, along
Pikse Litaania, Sudden Light brings the enormous and enriching sound of the RUGC with you wherever you go.
Alongside the CD, a commemora-tive DVD entitled The Rutgers University Glee Club at Utrecht University was also released. One of the tour’s most mem-orable concerts took place at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, which holds a strong historical connection to Rutgers University. In fact, our motto, “Sol iustitiae et occidentem illustra” (or “Sun of righteousness, shine upon the West also”), derives from Utrecht University’s motto, “Sol iustitiae illustra nos” (or “Sun of righteousness, shine upon us”). So, in celebration of Rutgers’ 250th anniversary, Rutgers University took a professional film crew and
OUR LATEST CD AND DVD HAVE ARRIVED! By: LARRY FRIED
recorded this wonderful concert, now edited for your viewing pleasure. If the recordings on Sudden Light weren’t enough to satisfy you, now you can watch them being performed in front of your very eyes.
Together, both Sudden Light and The Rutgers University Glee Club at Utrecht University will immerse you in the sights and sounds of one of the most historic international tours in Glee Club history. If you’re interested in copies, fill out the order form included in this edition of the Glee Gab, or download our CD at our website: www.gleeclub.rutgers.edu! These are purchases you won’t regret.
Since 1996 with Let Thy Good Spirit, the Rutgers University Glee Club has pro-duced several wonderful albums that showcase an eclectic variety of repertoire, whether it be classic spirituals, Russian hymns, or everyone’s favorite tradition-al Rutgers songs, and the Glee Club’s latest effort is no exception. Sudden Light, aptly named after Joseph Grego-rio’s gorgeous piece of the same name featured on the album, is a musical journey through the Glee Club’s most recent European tour during the sum-mer of 2015, when the brothers in song traveled to a variety of locations in England, Wales, and the Netherlands. From the percussive sounds of Gaudete, to the mesmerizing harmonies of Ave Maria, and the thunderous chants of
We took photos in the stadium before the performances
with my brothers in song, will never forget. To be able to say that I sang for the President in my first year, as part of one of the greatest performance groups ever, is incredible. This is proof that being a part of this group opens doors to opportunities and experiences that would not be possible otherwise. This group has opened my world. It was truly an honor to be part of such a once in a lifetime experience, and I look forward to a bright future of many more.
Rutgers University Glee Club The Glee Gab
Ever ChangingYet Eternally
the Same
Mason Gross School of the Arts
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It’s no wonder that the Rutgers University Glee Club, the oldest student-run organization on campus, was selected to perform at a meeting of such significance. This past April the Rutgers University Glee Club was featured at a legislative celebration commemorating the 250th Anniversary of Rutgers University, performing the Alma Mater, a traditional South African folk piece, and the Rutgers fight song. The performance took place at the beau-tiful and historical Botanical Gardens in Washington, D.C., and singers including myself had plenty of downtime to explore the local monuments and enjoy the sights. The event was “invitation-only” and involved several of the University’s administrators, as well as many U.S. and New Jersey government officials. Many members of the Glee Club expressed their thoughts on the thrill and excitement of preparing for and performing at this prestigious event.
“Performing in D.C. was really awesome because we were able to represent our school in the nation’s capital,” stated Jason Rosen, a soph-omore of the club. “I thought the trip was a lot of fun. We had a lot of free
RUGC PERFORMS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.By: PATRICK B. PHILLIPS
time to explore the National Mall.” Glee Club members spent their time exploring the city, whether that meant visiting the Lincoln Monument and the numerous Smithsonian Museums, or dining at restaurants unique to the city. Throughout the day, our men could also be found rehearsing in the open air for the public to watch, since any space is rehearsal space! The men end-ed the day by performing for President Barchi and members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation including Senator Robert Menendez, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., Rep. Scott Garrett, and Rep. Donald Norcross. Directly before the performance, the men of the RUGC explored the gardens privately behind the scenes while they awaited the performance.
Tom Struble, RUGC President emeritus, was a key member in the planning process for this outstanding event and made sure everything ran as smoothly as possible. A lot can happen when keeping track of eighty men around the city, and having a dedicated alumnus proved invaluable in keeping everything on track and on time. With regard to the performance, the audience was quite responsive and appreciative.
“It was an honor to be able to represent the university in front of senators and university and govern-ment officials in our nation’s capital,” said Axel Gonzalez, a sophomore in the RUGC. Members of the Glee Club had the opportunity to meet members of congress, including United States House of Representatives member Rodney Frelinghuysen of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Kyle O’Brien, a junior in the Glee Club lives in Rep. Frelinghuysen’s district and was able to meet the representative.
O’Brien expressed his fond mem-ory of the event, stating: “Honestly, it was just such an honor to be able to perform in Washington, D.C. Meeting face to face with my own congressman really put it all into perspective with just how important our presence at the event was.” Trips like these make you realize that the early morning and the long bus rides are worth it. In the end, the work of planning these events is forgotten in comparison to the memories that are made. The RUGC members look forward to all the amaz-ing performance opportunities of the 2016–2017 academic years and to the fond memories yet to be created.
Event Date Time Location
HOMECOMING: Rutgers vs. IllinoisJoin us for an early morning tailgate, Rutgers songs and the National Anthem ***
Alumni must purchase football tickets to attend the game and sing on the field.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Contact Chris Wolfe for timing and details.
9 a.m. Tailgate, 12 Noon Kickoff
Highpoint StadiumBusch
Campus
HOMECOMING: Glee Club Alumni Concert Stay after the game to rehearse with the group for a concert that evening ***
Saturday, October 15, 2016 4–6 p.m.
Kirkpatrick Chapel 81 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
RUGC and Kirkpatrick Choir Concert Mason Gross Box Office848-932-7511
Saturday, November 5, 2016 7:30 p.m.
Kirkpatrick Chapel81 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Christmas in Carol and Song Mason Gross Box Office848-932-7511
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Kirkpatrick Chapel81 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
American Choral Directors Association National Conference For attendance information, visit the website: acda.org
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 –
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Performance time to be
determined. Registration
opens October 1,
2016.
Minneapolis Convention Center1301 2nd Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Upcoming Events
*** Contact the VP Alum (Chris Wolfe) at [email protected] to register for the events
The Glee Gab Rutgers University Glee Club
Ever ChangingYet Eternally
the Same
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Rutgers University Glee Club The Glee Gab 7
The only all Rookie team in the history of Mike’s Hunt to come in first place
HUNTING FOR MIKE’S HUNTBy: DEXTER CHENG
“Wait...Where is Princess Lolli?!” All the wedding attendees looked around, confused but eager. It was then that Lord Licorice told all in the hall that it was he who had stolen the princess away. “There’s no way you’ll find her, except for these clues!” Fifteen enve-lopes descended from his clutches and the room descended into madness. Elbows were flung about, bodies knocked to and fro, and the low rum-bling of the floorboards syncopated with the stampede of the crowd. It was official: Mike’s Hunt had begun.
The tradition of Senior Week has long been a part of the Rutgers Univer-sity Glee Club. In this rigorous period of performances, there has consistently been a considerable respite between two of the commencement performances. It is said that Mike Costalas, graduating class of 1991, devised a scavenger hunt to enliven this repose, and thus the first Hunt was born. Henceforth, the game was dubbed Mike’s Hunt in his honor, and it became an annual tradition for all members of the university choirs to enjoy. At first, the Hunts were straight-forward races to find and solve one puzzling clue after another. Glee Club had fewer brothers back then. A small-er crowd meant more casual Hunts. But as more people came into the fold, the Hunts became increasingly more elab-orate and popular. Plotlines, skits, and other traditions were gradually added in, and it eventually evolved into the great tradition that it is today.
As a member of the rookie class of the 2015–2016 year, I found Mike’s Hunt was very much a mystery to me before I experienced it firsthand. Searching for its definition and pur-pose was a hunt in and of itself. After rehearsals, business meetings usually went by without incident. However, on occasion we rookies were given faint morsels of information about what the mysterious Mike’s Hunt was. After every announcement we were teased with, “Don’t play Mike’s Hunt!”—a mantra that always left us confused. As the time drew closer, we were giv-en even more hints: home videos with cryptic messages, online postings, and fleeting snapshots from the Hunt Team. Before long, Senior Week was upon us and most of the teams had al-ready been established. I scrambled to join a team, and found myself forming one with John Lee, Patrick Phillips, and
Grant Tamutus. But it was not meant to be, as Grant had to leave us due to prior commitments. Fortunately, we were joined by Alison Thi, a rookie from Voorhees Choir. Four rookies against fourteen other teams, most of them seasoned veterans, all aiming to search for Princess Lolli, in the King-dom of Candy land, through the trail of clues behind left by Lord Licorice.
As it was our first Hunt, we did not know what to expect. Because of our hastily forged alliance, our team name was chosen without much consider-ation: Bloodbath and Beyond. After the whirlwind of clues, candy, and choirs within McKinney Hall had subsided, our team was left empty-handed as we stood alone with the Hunt Team, con-fused as to where our clue was. When we eventually received our clue, there was an extra in the envelope and un-fortunately we started on the wrong one. Needless to say, it was a rocky start for a first Hunt, but we did not give heed to our misfortune. Our all-rookie status supported us with a buffer of extra points and we pressed on through the night. Our diversity also played to our advantage. We were a ragtag group of underdogs, each with a piece of knowledge that came in handy when it came to solving the clues. That, as well as going the extra mile, quite literally, to seize opportunities for bonus points, put us over the edge. In the end, the half-baked pun we started with became a fitting moniker after we slayed the competition and became the first all-rookie team in Glee Club history
to take first place. Victory sure was sweet!
From past to present, the form and style of Mike’s Hunt may have varied. But the function of the game has always remained constant. Duy Nguyen, rook-ie class of 1993–1994, recounts: “My first hunt, as a rookie, was in 1994. It sort of lasted a good portion of one day, and was really an opportunity for the older guys to drag a rookie who hadn’t seen 75% of the campus around from place to place. Keep in mind that this was also an era before smart phones, and half the fun was finding a team member with a working car who could do all the driving.”
This held true even though my team consisted of all rookies. I found this to be an exploration of the his-tory of Rutgers University as well as a night to bond with our fellow brothers and sisters in song. I spent over twelve hours with people that I normally would have been too shy to interact with, discovering parts of Rutgers that I would have never known about. We all forged great bonds that night, held strong by the memories of the chal-lenges we overcame together. I had fi-nally found the true purpose of Mike’s Hunt: to break down the social bubbles that we become comfortable with and to remind us all that we are one fam-ily. Although there are many things that are very different now compared to then, one lesson has always reflected the true spirit of the Rutgers University Glee Club: “Ever changing, yet eternally the same.”
Featuring on our CD:Ave Maria – Frans Biebl
Pikse Litaania – Veljo TormisGood Friday – Gustav Holst
The Parting Glass – Alice ParkerI Only Have Eyes For You – Harry Warren
Doth Love Exist – Steven Sametz
Plus much more! Some songs are found exclusively on the DVD. To order your copy today, detach the order form
and mail to the address below, or order online at gleeclub.rutgers.edu.
Experience the Glee Club unlike ever before on CD and DVD
The Rutgers University Glee ClubMarryott Music Building81 George StreetNew Brunswick, NJ 08901-1568
____ copies of Glee Club at Utrecht University @ $20.00 each = ___________
and ____ copies of Sudden Light @ $15.00 each = ___________
and ____ copies of Travels @ $15.00 each = ___________
and ____ copies of The Bells Must Ring! @ $15.00 each = ___________
and ____ copies of Let Thy Good Spirit @ $15.00 each = ___________
and ____ copies of the 1999 Eastern European Tour CD @ $15.00 each = ___________
and ____ copies of the 2003 European Tour CD @ $15.00 each = ___________
and ____copies of the 2007 Hear The Voice @ $15.00 each = ___________
Plus $2.50 each for postage + ___________
Amount Enclosed: ___________ Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery
Rutgers University Glee Club DVD/CD Order FormName:
Address:
City:
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___________ Zip: ______________
The Rutgers University Glee Club Presents:
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