Chorus strikes a tune, ground on campus
USC Men's Chorus begins again on campus, hopes to bring its verse to a new generation
By Laura HickeyStaff Writer
A new vocal
group is attempting to forge a "tradition of Trojan excellence" here at
USC. The USC Men's Chorus, according to its brochure, is "an innovative new
ensemble dedicated to the great traditions of the male chorus."The chorus consists of men
from all walks of life who have come together in the spirit of cooperation
and friendship to create art and entertainment through music. Membership in
the USC Men's Chorus is open to the entire USC community--from
undergraduates and graduates to staff and faculty--but is limited to males.
Jason Beeber, president of
the chorus, said that when the group began, USC did not have an all-male
chorus, although this type of ensemble is fairly common at large
universities. According to research done by Director Buddy James, USC has
had a group like this many times throughout its history, but all attempts
to maintain the chorus have failed.With this information in
hand, Beeber and James set out to become a success. They began with only a
few singers and can now claim 16 active chorus members. The difference
between this group and past ones is that the USC Men's Chorus is not a
student organization (like the other vocal group on campus, the SoCal
Vocals), but a course offered by the choral and church music department.
"We are a semi-official class in the School of Music. Anyone can take our
class for either one credit or no credit. This allows more flexibility
where the chorus is concerned." Beeber hopes that offering
the chorus to the USC community in this manner will help the group to
survive and even become a long-standing Trojan tradition.The chorus has also formed
sub-groups within itself. Currently, the chorus performs sea chanteys,
drinking songs, spirituals, patriotic songs and Broadway tunes. One of the
sub-groups, an a cappella chorus, performs surf tunes, television themes
and rock songs of the 1950s, 1960s and 1980s. This group is directed by
Ethan Sperry, who, along with Beeber, has arranged some of the music sung
by the group. Other sub-groups are currently being formed within the
chorus.Beeber also said there have
been discussions between the USC Men's Chorus and the SoCal Vocals
regarding future collaborations. "We like them, and despite the fact that
we are seen as rival groups on campus, we have a good working
relationship," Beeber said. "SoCal Vocals President Brock Harris and member
Amy Throckmorton are close personal friends, and we have been conferring
about a joint project between the SoCal Vocals and our small a cappella
group."The chorus currently has
one upcoming show scheduled. On April 21 at 8 p.m. in Schoenberg Hall.
There are no other events scheduled at this time, but don't be surprised if
you see the chorus suddenly show up and start singing in the middle of Hahn
Plaza. "We are currently in the process of putting together other events,"
Beeber said. "It is really hard to get events going and to peak the
interest of the public. We are a virtually new group on campus, and we are
not sure how many people are aware of our existence."Recruiting for new singers
ended Feb. 19, and auditions will soon be held for those seeking to join
the group. Membership in the chorus is not limited, but membership in the
small a cappella group may be limited. There are no membership dues charged
to chorus members, and the only funds required are to pay for the uniform,
a one-time cost of $20.Beeber also said the men's
chorus has been approached by women seeking to form a sister group. "We
would love to have a sister group--another side to us. I love that someone
has expressed an interest. I only hope that it takes hold and that we can
help to gain public interest in the formation of a women's group."Rehearsals for the chorus
are held each Monday and Wednesday from noon to 12:50 p.m. in room 106 of
the music building, and anyone is welcome to join.For more information regarding the USC Men's Chorus, contact President Jason Beeber at beeber@scf.usc.edu or Director Buddy James at (213) 740-7419.