Issue date: 6/29/09 Section: News

Texas A&M Women's Chorus, in front of Prague Castle during their spring tour of Central Europe. [Click to enlarge]

The Singing Cadets perform at a parents' weekend concert. The Singing Cadets are part of A&M Choral Activities, along with the Century Singers and Women's Chorus. [Click to enlarge]

Texas A&M Choral Activities, like many organizations, is preparing to move from their home in the Memorial Student Center to a new location, the basement of the Commons.

"I don't think it's going to hurt us at all, I think it will be a positive change for the next three years," said senior health major Daniel Adame, Singing Cadets president. "A lot of time, a lot of work has gone into making sure the new space is something the students will be happy with."

The space is being remodeled to hold a rehearsal room, directors' offices, administration offices and student offices.

"We are anxious for people to know about our new location in the basement of The Commons during the MSC renovation," Wade said. "We will be moving during the first week of August."

Choral Activities consists of three choirs- the Texas A&M University Singing Cadets, the Texas A&M University Century Singers and the Texas A&M University Women's Chorus.

All three choirs require auditions, which take place within the first few weeks of school. Students must sing the familiar song, "My Country 'Tis of Thee," sight read and do some basic vocalizing to provide proof of ranging abilities. Previous experience is helpful, but not required by any of the three choirs.

The choirs take turns travelling internationally, with one group going abroad every year. The Women's Chorus returned in May from a tour of Central Europe including Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

"They experienced the culture, history and languages of the various countries," said Jess Wade, the assistant coordinator of Vocal Music at A&M. "It was a wonderful musical and educational experience."

The Chorus performed at historical churches and castles in four different cities.

"Probably my favorite memory was our third concert that we did with the Czech choir singing before us. I loved how they sang their songs not only in Czech, but in English. It really made me feel welcome," said sophomore Morgan Hipp, Women's Chorus philanthropy co-chairwoman.

The Women's Chorus is an all female choir averaging 60-70 members. The choir participates in campus activities and takes part in the annual Texas Collegiate Women's Choral Festival.

The Singing Cadets are preparing for an upcoming 2010 tour of South Africa.

"Two summers ago, we went to South America," said Jeff McFarland, the public relations manager for the Singing Cadets. "We had a great time, and I know South Africa will be great as well."

The Singing Cadets are an all-male choir. Their most recent performance was for former President George H.W. Bush's 85th birthday at his residence in Kennebunkport, Maine.

"I love Singing Cadets because of our purpose," McFarland said. "We travel so many places and have so many opportunities to spread the Aggie spirit."

They do not require Corps membership, though some members are a part of the Corps. They have now modified their tryout schedule to audition in the summer, as well as the beginning of each fall and spring semester.

The Century Singers is a coed choir previously called the New Tradition Singers, but renamed to mark A&M's centennial. With approximately 80 members, their performances include fall, Christmas and spring concerts, in addition to special commissions and campus events.

"Century Singers is not only an amazing choir but an amazing group of people. Everyone is so friendly and it's a wonderful place to be," said graduate marketing major Kelley Baxter, former Century Singers President.

Century Singers puts on "Showcase," an annual variety show every spring in which members show off not only vocal abilities, but other talents, including dance and theatrics.

"This is one of our most popular shows with A&M's students because the contemporary acts tend to be more appealing to the younger generation, and we provide desserts and beverages during the show," Baxter said.

All choirs take part in campus activities and advocate the spreading of Aggie spirit.

"One of my best memories I have was staying with the parents of a fallen bonfire 12 member," Adame said. "Listening to their stories and seeing all of their daughter's memorabilia was an experience I will never forget."

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