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If you did not attend the concert last Saturday night at the First Methodist Church in Lake Charles, you were deprived of an enjoyable experience. When I read about the coming event, I knew I would enjoy it but when my friend invited me to go with her, it became a reality.
The Texas A&M Singing Cadets were invited to our area and, fortunately for us, accepted the invitation. The group began in 1893 as an all-male glee club and since that time has grown to receive national acclaim, performing each year for more people than any other collegiate choral group in the United States.
As you know, Texas is a big place but after touring to large and small cities all over the state and appearing before audiences of all sizes, their goal is to reach even more. They travel to many sites in Europe as well. We are lucky that Louisiana is included in their itinerary.
Quoting the brochure we were handed on entering the auditorium: “Brought together by their common love for and devotion to their school, the Singing Cadets are comprised of male Aggies who volunteer their time for long rehearsals and more that 70 performances each year. Their reward comes in the form of enthusiastic audiences and gracious host families. Each member works hard to reach the group’s common goal of excellence and through their dedication continue to make the Singing Cadets the Voice of Aggieland.”
The director, David Kipp, introduced the group and related some of their recent accomplishments. I believe we all could feel the pride he showed in his singers. When they marched out in perfect step with their ramrod straight backs and smart military uniforms we were favorably impressed even before they had sung one note.
We all stood for the Texas A&M song that demonstrated their school loyalty. After that we were treated to a wide variety of music types. There were Broadway show tunes, folk songs, religious hymns and spirituals, and novelty numbers. The last category spotlighted four boys who did a comedy routine to make us laugh. I was thrilled by a beautiful rendition of one of my favorites, “How Great Thou Art”. The show tunes included “There Is Nothing Like A Dame” which sounded as good to me as when I heard it sung in “South Pacific” on the Broadway stage.
A young woman accompanied the chorus on the piano and there were several who played instruments such as guitars and drums. The effectiveness of some selections was enhanced by those additions.
Quite a few of the numbers included parts for solo, duet and trio voices. Those singers stepped to the center of the group, delivered their portion then returned to their places. There were no awkward pauses or shuffling in the lines.
After intermission the cadets returned smartly decked out in white jackets. All of the ladies, including me, thought they looked very handsome.
The second half included a salute to veterans of our country. While singing the theme of each branch of military service, former members were asked to stand. It was a stirring tribute to all of them and reminded us to be appreciative of their service.
If you ever get a chance to hear the Singing Cadets I urge you to attend. I guarantee you will be glad you did.
Thanks for reading.
If you did not attend the concert last Saturday night at the First Methodist Church in Lake Charles, you were deprived of an enjoyable experience. When I read about the coming event, I knew I would enjoy it but when my friend invited me to go with her, it became a reality.
The Texas A&M Singing Cadets were invited to our area and, fortunately for us, accepted the invitation. The group began in 1893 as an all-male glee club and since that time has grown to receive national acclaim, performing each year for more people than any other collegiate choral group in the United States.
As you know, Texas is a big place but after touring to large and small cities all over the state and appearing before audiences of all sizes, their goal is to reach even more. They travel to many sites in Europe as well. We are lucky that Louisiana is included in their itinerary.
Quoting the brochure we were handed on entering the auditorium: “Brought together by their common love for and devotion to their school, the Singing Cadets are comprised of male Aggies who volunteer their time for long rehearsals and more that 70 performances each year. Their reward comes in the form of enthusiastic audiences and gracious host families. Each member works hard to reach the group’s common goal of excellence and through their dedication continue to make the Singing Cadets the Voice of Aggieland.”
The director, David Kipp, introduced the group and related some of their recent accomplishments. I believe we all could feel the pride he showed in his singers. When they marched out in perfect step with their ramrod straight backs and smart military uniforms we were favorably impressed even before they had sung one note.
We all stood for the Texas A&M song that demonstrated their school loyalty. After that we were treated to a wide variety of music types. There were Broadway show tunes, folk songs, religious hymns and spirituals, and novelty numbers. The last category spotlighted four boys who did a comedy routine to make us laugh. I was thrilled by a beautiful rendition of one of my favorites, “How Great Thou Art”. The show tunes included “There Is Nothing Like A Dame” which sounded as good to me as when I heard it sung in “South Pacific” on the Broadway stage.
A young woman accompanied the chorus on the piano and there were several who played instruments such as guitars and drums. The effectiveness of some selections was enhanced by those additions.
Quite a few of the numbers included parts for solo, duet and trio voices. Those singers stepped to the center of the group, delivered their portion then returned to their places. There were no awkward pauses or shuffling in the lines.
After intermission the cadets returned smartly decked out in white jackets. All of the ladies, including me, thought they looked very handsome.
The second half included a salute to veterans of our country. While singing the theme of each branch of military service, former members were asked to stand. It was a stirring tribute to all of them and reminded us to be appreciative of their service.
If you ever get a chance to hear the Singing Cadets I urge you to attend. I guarantee you will be glad you did.
Thanks for reading.
