Over 100 years ago, the Miami University Men's Glee Club gave their first ever home concert in dedication of Hall Auditorium. This April, 104 home concerts later, the group sang for the first time under their 13th permanent director, Jeremy Jones.
Clubbers of all generations shared in the concert earlier this month. Alumni both young and old fled to the stage to join current members in traditional songs, including "Johnny Schmoeker" and "Java Jive." George Beverley, a 1970 graduate and the first ever winner of Glee Club's prestigious Scott Alexander award, traveled all the way from Texas for the concert.
"Hearing the group brings back memories," Beverley said. "We know what they're going through and we want to support them."
According to Chris Walsh, sophomore student conductor of Glee Club, performing under their new conductor was a great success.
"Club is in good shape," Walsh said. "We've been through a lot in this transition year, but everything has definitely come together in the past two weeks. The spirit of club is at least as good if not better than it's ever been."
Jones came to Miami this past fall as a visiting professor. The position was created last spring after conductor Ethan Sperry left for Portland State University. Jones became one of the four candidates for the permanent position during his time as visiting professor.
According to Judy Delzell, chair of the department of music, the candidates were very competitive.
"Being an internal candidate is only an advantage if you do an excellent job," Delzell said. "Dr. Jones was in a tricky situation following someone as popular as Ethan Sperry. His students and colleagues have come to appreciate his commitment to the university and to his students."
Jones attended the University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music where he completed his doctorate in conducting.
According to Kevin Kuethe, historian of Glee Club, Jones gave his dissertation on Glee Club History.
"Dr. Jones has the grounds to appreciate Glee Club's storied history," Kuethe said.
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According to Kuethe, Miami University's Glee Club's rich tradition runs as deep as those of other historical schools like Yale University and Harvard University.
"It's great to be somewhere where so many students love singing and where passion for music can be shared among students of so many different academic disciplines," Jones said.
Jones plans for both Collegiate Chorale and Glee Club to continue to be travelers and performers at state, regional and national conferences.
"I want us to have our own voice throughout the United States," Jones said.
This summer, Jones will work toward these goals, leading the Glee Club on their summer tour through Europe.
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