Thank you for your interest in the University of Northern Iowa Varsity Men's Glee Club. The following information will give you insight to how our organization works, and how you can become a part of it. As one of the most visible groups at UNI, we proudly represent our University, the State of Iowa, and the United States when touring overseas. We are very proud of our 50 years of history and tradition, our continuous effort to strive for excellence, and of building great friendships throughout our student membership.
The Varsity Men's Glee Club is a student-run organization affiliated with the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa. The Glee Club is a collegiate men's choir that enjoys making extraordinary music, working hard and having lots of fun. It's been said by many UNI graduates over the years: "Glee Club was the best thing I ever did in college!" We hope that you will agree.
Rehearsals and Time Commitment
We rehearse Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6:00 p.m. to 7:50 p.m., from late August through late April, while classes are in session. We have two major concerts during our academic year: The Christmas Variety Show and our Annual Spring Concert, the former always performed the first weekend in December, and the latter performed in mid-April. Both concerts take place in the Great Hall of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, at the University of Northern Iowa.
Other events include the 'occasionally annual' fall watermelon feed at Seerley Park, the Glee Club's Annual Bike Ride Around Cedar Falls (GCABRACF) and grill-out; the Iowa Tour, (or overseas tour every other year); the Spring banquet, the student/alumni Brothers Sing On Golf Classic in May, as well as other scheduled events.
Another important Wednesday evening event is "Seminar". An after-rehearsal meeting at one of our fine local establishments, Seminar is a long-held tradition for those who enjoy food, camaraderie, and more singing! Nearly all of the world's problems have been solved at Seminar!
The Glee Club was created primarily for non-music majors, but music majors are proud members of the group as well. We rely on our music majors to lead sectionals during rehearsals, which provide those gentlemen with valuable teaching experience.
Glee Club is an elective college course, worth one credit hour per semester. Members are graded on rehearsal and concert attendance. Some Glee Club members can boast that they have never missed a rehearsal, even after four years!
Singers are expected to be at every rehearsal during the year. That said, we expect members to plan ahead and make firm commitments to each concert of the season.
A course syllabus (PDF) is available for you to download.
You do not have to be 'vocal virtuoso' - any male student can be a member of the Glee Club.
The best attributes a UNI Men's Glee Club member will possess:
- a good quality singing voice; adaptable to ensemble work
- an ear for intonation and tuning
- an openness to sing all types of male choral music
- a personality suited to appreciate the enthusiasm of 100+ fellow students
- a willingness to work hard and have fun
Concert attire Glee Club members are provided formal performance attire, which consists of a black tuxedo, a white tux shirt, red and purple bow ties with cummerbunds, (red for Christmas, purple for other events) and a striped purple and gold necktie. This attire enhances our on-stage appearance and is part of our tradition. A music folder with sheet music is also provided.
Members must provide their own polished black dress shoes (no black sneakers or tennis shoes), and black dress socks. In addition, singers must provide a pair of khaki dress pants, and white dress shirt for informal concerts and gatherings.
Finally . . . Sing On, Brothers!
Many students and alums will tell you - there is nothing quite like the UNI Varsity Men's Glee Club! If you're interested in being part of the brotherhood, (and if you're still reading this, we trust that you are!) just click on the contact us link, tell us who you are, and come to rehearsal!
Our first rehearsal for the Fall 2010 semester is Monday, August 23, 6:00 pm in Jebe Hall, Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. See you there!
