Glee Club continuing traditions

Pitt Men’s Glee Club Holiday Concert Friday, 7 p.m. First Baptist Church, Oakland Free with… Pitt Men’s Glee Club Holiday Concert Friday, 7 p.m. First Baptist Church, Oakland Free with Pitt ID ‘ ‘ ‘ The Pitt Men’s Glee Club looks to spread the warmth and joy of the holidays with enough cheer to take the stripes off a candy cane at its upcoming concert. ‘ ‘ ‘ Presenting Music for the Holidays, the Pitt Men’s Glee Club plans to perform a traditional holiday concert Friday, Dec. 6, at the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh located on North Bellefield Avenue.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ The performance will consist of an array of holiday tunes, which range from customary favorites to foreign works. Held annually, this a cappella staple is a Pitt tradition for kicking off the holiday season. ‘ ‘ ‘ A hallmark of the holiday performance is a song version of ‘The Night Before Christmas.’ The vocal telling of this timeless Christmas poem has been a part of the repertoire for two decades. Set to the tune of ‘Chopsticks,’ it is sure to be a crowd pleaser. ‘ ‘ ‘ The group will also perform two French carols, ‘Ce Matin (March of the Three Kings)’ and ‘Angels We Have Heard on High,’ in addition to other favorites. ‘ ‘ ‘ While mainly consisting of Christmas carols, the concert also promises to honor the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah and will also entail various medieval and gospel melodies. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ Consisting of nearly 50 members, the exclusively male choral group is under the direction of Richard Teaster who celebrates his 10th year of tenure in 2009. Teaster teaches voice lessons at Pitt in addition to his position as music director at First Baptist Church. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘We are keeping tradition alive,’ said Teaster. ‘They are a terrific group that represents the University well.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ Founded in 1890, the Pitt Men’s Glee Club is the oldest non-athletic extra-curricular organization on campus, as well as the University’s first collegiate musical ensemble. ‘ ‘ ‘ The talented assembly of male students performs two major concerts in the Oakland area every year. Its standard holiday concert is the first while the second occurs in spring. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘The phrase, ‘Respect your elders,’ gives testament to the ensemble,’ said Teaster. ‘I wish more people understood that our group can equally represent the University of Pittsburgh in comparison to athletics.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ While it may not garner the same amount of attention from students as the football team, this chorus has certainly obtained fame in the region and beyond. ‘ ‘ ‘ Recently, the club performed at Pittsburgh’s Great Race in junction with radio station WQED-FM. It has also been a musical guest at two World’s Fairs and on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns. ‘ ‘ ‘ The release of its new album, A Musical Tradition, featuring the ‘Pitt Alma Mater’ and The Beatles’ hit ‘When I’m Sixty-Four,’ will be available for purchase sometime in January. ‘ ‘ ‘ With finals and winter arriving in full force, everyone can use a little holiday spirit. The Pitt Men’s Glee Club aims to do just that. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘The holiday season speaks to people on different levels,’ said Teaster. ‘Regardless of religion, the analogy to a universal truth of peace on earth is still present.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ Tickets for Music for the Holidays can be purchased in advance through ProArts Tickets, $10 general admission and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are $12 at the door or $8 for students and seniors. Pitt students are admitted free with ID.