Singing Saints News

New Members!

2011-10-24T12:20:00.001-04:00

Please welcome three new Singing Saints: Steve Goldman '13, Noah Fitch '14 and Dan Mulcahey '14.

Mitch Galli '12 Named Admissions Intern

2011-07-15T13:53:00.000-04:00

Check out SLU's story on what this Saint is doing during summer break.

Congratulations Graduates

2011-05-25T12:10:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to the three newest Singing Saints alumni: Joseph W. Alvin, Samuel J.Gradess and Jonathan E. Levinson.

Check out some commencement facts here.

Congratulations to Music Department Award Winners

2011-05-06T15:24:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Joseph W. Alvin '11 winner of the J. Kenneth Munson Award and Samuel J. Gradess '11, winner of the J. Richard Gilbert Memorial Award, both given at recent Moving-Up Day ceremonies. For more information and a list of all winners, check out the SLU page.

Spring Concert on April 22 Will Benefit Camp GLOW

2011-04-18T11:25:00.001-04:00

The Singing Saints will perform their annual Spring Concert in Peterson-Kermani Performance Hall on April 22 at 8 PM.

This concert will be a special farewell to seniors Joe Alvin, Sam Gradess, and Jonny Levinson. Additionally, it will be a fundraiser for Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World), a Peace Corps project focusing on female empowerment in the underdeveloped world.

More information about Camp GLOW can be found at the Peace Corps website.

Check out the Facebook event page and RSVP by clicking here.

Several new songs will be performed, so please come and support St. Lawrence a cappella!

Scott O’Connell '87 Receives Service Award

2011-03-03T12:14:00.003-05:00

Scott O’Connell, a partner based in the Manchester office of Nixon Peabody, has won an award for his pro bono work with low-income victims of domestic violence. Read more about this former Saint's dedication to the community at the Nixon Peabody site.

Auditions: February 1 and 3 at 7PM in Griffiths Hall Lobby

2011-01-31T12:24:00.003-05:00

The Saints will host Spring Semester Auditions Tuesday and Thursday at 7PM. Meet us to audition in the lobby of Griffiths!

Auditions are open to all male undergraduates at St. Lawrence University. No musical experience is required, but please prepare a solo to perform for the group. Auditions usually last about fifteen minutes. In the audition, we test the range of your voice, ask you to go up and down some scales, sing in a group setting, perform some sight reading, and perform your solo.

Being a member of the Singing Saints is a commitment. Our group rehearses at least three times each week, travels to perform off-campus and holds at least two major concerts on-campus each semester. If you think you have what it takes to be a Singing Saint, come audition for us and become a part of the 60-year tradition of a cappella at St. Lawrence.

If you have any questions about the audition process or our organization, please contact us.

Saints To Take Part In Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service

2011-01-14T10:27:00.000-05:00

The Singing Saints will take part in "Hunger For Justice: Ending Hunger in our World", a Service of Song and Readings in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the first day of classes. They will be joined by the Ad Hoc Singers, Community Gospel Choir, Laurentian Singers, Mantswe Amantle, Singing Sinners and Up Beats.

Monday, January 24, 2011 at 5pm in Gunnison Chapel.

@SingingSaints featured in @StLawrenceU Report of Appreciation

2010-11-30T10:54:00.001-05:00

Check out John Curle ’12 and the Singing Saints featured in this year's Report of Appreciation.

Saints CDs and Gear for Sale

2010-11-26T10:58:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer?

Visit the Saints shop for all your gear: www.cafepress.com/singingsaints

Also, "60 and Still Singing", the Saints' latest album, is available for purchase for $10 + S/H (for off-campus customers). Order your copy from:

Sam Gradess '11
St. Lawrence University, C.M.R. 939, Canton, NY 13617
(518) 572-4860

Winter Concert - Change of Venue to Gunnison Chapel

2010-11-24T10:51:00.001-05:00

Please note that the Saint's Winter Concert and fundraiser for the New York State Theatre Institute on December 2nd will now be held in Gunnison Chapel, not Kermani-Peterson Hall at 8:30 PM.

Winter Concert and NYSTI Fundraiser

2010-11-17T11:21:00.000-05:00

The Saints will perform in the new Peterson-Kermani Performance Hall at 8 PM on Thursday, December 2. Not only will it be a great show, but it will also be a benefit for the New York State Theater Institute. For more information, check out out the Facebook event page.

Sam Gradess '11 Profiled

2010-11-16T12:40:00.000-05:00

Click here to vist the St. Lawrence website and read a profile of current student Sam Gradess '11. You can also catch up with Sam by reading his blog.

Douglas McWilliams '12 Profiled

2010-11-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

Visit the SLU website for a full profile on Douglas McWilliams '12 and his recent work at the Mayo Clinic.

Alex Bartlett '94 Uses @kickstarter To Fund Second Album

2010-10-19T10:10:00.001-04:00

Alex Bartlett is currently finishing up work on his second album, currently entitled "Embers". He used micro-lending organization Kickstarter to raise money for the project. Check out his page at Kickstarter for more info.

You can also buy his first album "Living Room" at iTunes.

Family Weekend Concert

2010-09-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

This year's Family Weekend Concert with the Up Beats and Sinners is Friday, October, 1 at 9 PM in Gunnison Chapel. Visit the Facebook page for more information.

Hope to see you there!

New Members!

2010-09-03T09:54:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to three new Singing Saints: Jackson Penfield-Cyr '12, Andy Caswell '14, and Jay Fuhrman '14!

New Singing Saints CD On Sale!

2010-07-23T11:09:00.002-04:00

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the only all-male a cappella group on the SLU campus, The Singing Saints recorded their latest album, 60 and Still Singing. With a repertoire consisting of classics like "Silhouettes" and "For the Longest Time," to newer pieces such as "Viva la Vida" and "What is Love," the new album is sure to please every audience. The music isn’t all that the Singing Saints have to offer though, since in keeping with the St. Lawrence tradition, they have included their rendition SLU's "Alma Mater," ending the CD with what will undoubtedly evoke pride in every SLU graduate’s heart. The perfect gift and great memorabilia, 60 and Still Singing is a piece of St. Lawrence that you won’t want to miss out on!

Order your copy from:

John Curle (Business Director)
St. Lawrence University
C.M.R. 168
Canton, NY 13617
Jtcurl08@stlawu.edu
(518) 572-4860

Price: $10 per CD + shipping

Checks should be made out to The Singing Saints.

Sam Gradess '11 Chosen As Admissions Intern

2010-07-12T10:21:00.001-04:00

Read SLU's piece about this summer's Admissions Interns here.

New Photos!

2010-07-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

One of the benefits of getting more than six decades of Saints to come to a reunion is the photos and other memorabilia that surface. Check out the photos that have been posted in our 1950s and 1960s albums. Enjoy!

60th Reunion Album

2010-06-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

The 60th Reunion Album is starting to come together. Check it out at the Singing Saints website by clicking here.

If you have photos you want to share, send them to us.

60th Reunion

2010-06-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

More than 40 alumni and current Saints took part in a weekend of rehearsals, receptions and concerts (both formal and inpromptu). The high point of the weekend was the 60th Reunion Concert, where hundreds of other alumni turned out in Gunnison Memorial Chapel to help celebrate. The group of Saints--with every decade from the '50s to the teens represented--put on a show spanning 60 years of music and history. The Singing Saints 60th Reunion was a great success and we all look forward to the 65th Reunion.

Watch this space for more pictures and video from the weekend.

Congratulations Seniors!

2010-05-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to seniors Charlie Hopkins, Andrew Malley and Benjamin Ross who received degrees in yesterday's commencement.

Register for the 60th Reunion

2010-05-07T11:00:00.003-04:00

The registration deadline is just a couple of weeks away! Visit the SLU site where you can register online. And check out this page for a list of who's planning to attend.

Congratulations to SLU Moving Up Day Award Winners

2010-04-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

Several Singing Saints were among the recipients of Moving Up Day Awards:

Omicron Delta Kappa Inductees: Joseph W. Alvin '11 and Samuel J. Gradess '11

Charles Ives Society Award: Mitchell G. Galli '12

First-Year Cup: Jonathan A. Foster-Moore '13 (Gaines College)

Congratulations to them and all the winners. Check out the SLU website for the full list.

Congratulations to @StLawrenceU University Fellows

2010-04-27T21:35:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Singing Saints Joe Alvin '11, a neuroscience major from White River, VT, and John Curle '12, a history major from Plattsburgh, NH, who have both been awarded University Fellowships.

Please see the SLU website for more information and a list of all winners.

Register for the 60th Reunion

2010-03-31T23:47:00.004-04:00

Registration materials have been sent for Reunion Weekend, June 3-6, 2010. Check out this video and either return your registration in the mail or register online.

We hope you'll be able to join us on campus to celebrate 60 years of men's acappella.

If you have questions, send an email to us at reunion@singingsaints.org.

Facebook

2010-03-23T22:40:00.000-04:00

Become of fan of the Singing Saints on Facebook! Click here: http://bit.ly/b4S4Im

Stay In Touch!

2010-03-14T09:21:00.005-04:00

The 60th Reunion is June 3 – 6. Here are some ways to get connected with fellow Singing Saints:

•Become part of the Singing Saints community by joining the Saints Facebook Group.
•Get reunion information by checking out the SLU website or joining the 60th Reunion Facebook Group.
•Complete the survey to let us know you’re coming.
•Follow us on Twitter.
•Visit the Singing Saints website to listen to recordings that have just been discovered. (We'll post the 55th Reunion Concert, the 1987 Spring Concert and a 1979 rehearsal very soon.)
•Purchase all of your Singing Saints gear at our online store.
•Send an email with questions to reunion@singingsaints.org.

Sam Gradess '11 Wins Internship Fellowship

2010-02-08T23:27:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Sam Gradess '11 on winning an internship fellowship. Check out SLU's website for more information.

A Short History of the Singing Saints' Logo

2010-01-31T15:36:00.022-05:00

The Saints have had a number of logos over their 60-year history. And because the logo is that of a devilish man, it's interesting to see the evolution, almost like the stereotypical drawing of humanity's progression from ape to neanderthal to Homo sapiens.

Here's the earliest-known example, the "stick" logo, first seen on the jacket for the 1956 LP, "Saints". This version is also seen worn on the breast pocket of early group members' maroon blazers.

Here's a close-up of that embroidered version.

Another version of the Saint appeared at about the same time, this one more sophisticated, sporting a bowler hat, spats and a cane. While the devil's horns, tail and pitchfork are gone, his hairstyle simulates the horns and a halo has been added at a jaunty angle. This version is first seen in a marketing brochure published by the group in 1956.

If you look at the photos on the jacket of the album "Saints On The Rocks", the embroidered "stick" logo was still being used, this time in the early 1960s.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and the Saint is more modern, now wearing a sweater with the letter "L" for "Larry" (slang for a St. Lawrence student). This version is more casual than either of the previous ones--the cane and spats are gone--although the halo perched on the horn-like hair is still there. There are also other changes as the devil's tail has grown back and the text "Singing Saints" has been added. This version was used on stationery at the time.

When the group turned forty, the Saint received some minor updates. The logo got cleaned up and the text altered to match that in the St. Lawrence logo used in university publications. Also, the horizontal lines were removed to make the entire image tighter. A caricature of this version appeared in the liner notes for "Over The Hill: the Singing Saints Turn Forty".

For the 50th Reunion, a special version of the logo was created. It also appears in the liner notes for the CD "Yardwork!" that was released at about the same time. This version features a pair of eighth notes and has the Saint filled in and the "L" replaced with the number "50".

The 55th Reunion brought with it another special version, this time with the number "55" in a different font style replacing the "L". This version also used the more standard design as a way to make it distinct from the 50th Reunion logo. The group wore this logo on t-shirts made for Reunion Weekend.

For this year's 60th Reunion, the Saint has evolved even further, with his face being redrawn and made more realistic. Also, the text and color have been modified to match SLU's current type treatment.

This Saint also has a 60th Reunion version, similar to those created for past reunions.

While the logo has changed over its 60-year history, the iconic image of the Singing Saint has always captured the devilish character that embodies the spirit of the group.

60th Reunion Planning Committee Finalized

2010-01-20T22:42:00.004-05:00

The committee for the 60th Reunion is set:

Honorary Chairs
Bob Beveridge '54N
Howard Crowell '54
Bill Moncrieff '54
Pete Worthington '54

Planning Co-Chairs
Mark Tavern '94
Jerry Peters '95

Planning Committee Members
Sam Gradess '11
John Harvey '85
Ken Hughes '98
Paul Hughes '00
Jan Knost '56
Matthew Lyndaker '96
Scott Manuel '64
Navé Strauss '08
Tyler Wood '85

We appreciate all their help in making the reunion a success!

Ken Okoth '01 essay "International Migration and Brain Circulation" published

2010-01-20T08:56:00.005-05:00

SLU Trustee and former Singing Saints bass Kenneth Okoth '01 recently wrote an essay titled "International Migration and Brain Circulation." The essay was published by the Association of American Colleges and Universities on their site Diversity & Democracy Web. Read more about it on SLU's site or read the essay itself.

Sam Gradess '11 Profiled on SLU Website

2009-12-02T22:32:00.004-05:00

Read more about this Singing Saint, currently abroad on the France program, on the SLU website.

He also writes for SLU's French Blog, Quinze Étudiants De L’université De Saint-Lawrence En France, which you can read here.

Reunion Planning Committee

2009-11-30T09:42:00.004-05:00

The planning committee for next year's 60th Reunion is almost set:

Planning Chairs

Mark Tavern '94
Jerry Peters '95

Committee Members

Ken Hughes '98
Paul Hughes '00
Jan Knost '56
Navé Strauss '08
Tyler Wood '85

There's still time to volunteer, so if you'd like to take part, send an email and let us know.

Who's coming to the 60th Reunion?

2009-11-10T22:05:00.002-05:00

Click here and scroll to the bottom to see who's planning to attend!

60th Reunion Invitation

2009-11-03T14:37:00.005-05:00

Invitations to the 60th Reunion go out today by regular mail. Here's the text of the letter:

Dear Singing Saint:

Reunion Weekend, June 4-6, 2010, marks the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Singing Saints. You are cordially invited to celebrate that milestone, as the Saints—and hundreds of other alumni—gather during Reunion Weekend to take part in festivities honoring one of SLU's oldest student-run initiatives.

The tentative schedule for the celebration is as follows:

Friday, June 4
4:00 - 5:00 pm: Welcome Reception
7:30 - 9:30 pm: Rehearsal
9:30 - 10:30 pm: Happy Hour

Saturday, June 5
2:30 - 4:30 pm: Rehearsal
6:30 - 8:30 pm: Dinner for Singing Saints and families
9:30 - 10:15 pm: 60th Reunion Concert in Gunnison Memorial Chapel
10:15 - 11:00 pm: Reception for Singing Saints and friends

We encourage you to make plans to return to St. Lawrence next Spring. The weekend will be filled with opportunities to sing, to relive your days as a student, and most importantly, to celebrate 60 years of men’s a cappella.

Please complete the online questionnaire to let us know you’re coming. When we get closer to Reunion, we’ll send a final schedule, information about accommodations, child care, copies of the music we plan to sing in the concert and a rehearsal CD.

Do not hesitate to contact either one of us, or Sara O’Brian Polniak, Assistant Director of Alumni and Parent Programs at (315) 229-5512, if you have any questions.

May the road rise to meet you!

Sincerely,

Mark Tavern ’94

Jerry Peters ’95

Honorary Chairs

2009-09-29T22:13:00.005-04:00

The planning committee for the 60th Reunion has begun its work by naming four honorary chairs: Bill Moncrieff, Bob Beveridge, Howard Crowell and Pete Worthington (all '54). Bill Moncrieff brought these men together in 1950 as the Rovers. Soon thereafter they became the Saints and together they represent the founding members of one of SLU's oldest student initiatives. We are proud to recognize these men and thank them for starting such a long-standing tradition.

The planning committee co-chairs are Mark Tavern '94 and Jerry Peters '95. The rest of the planning committee will be announced shortly.

The 60th Reunion will be held held June 4 - 6, 2010 during St. Lawrence University's Reunion Weekend.

Twitter

2009-06-10T10:24:00.002-04:00

We're now on Twitter! If you use this social network, visit http://twitter.com/SingingSaints or follow @SingingSaints. We'll be "tweeting" with updates on next year's 60th Reunion as well as interesting tidbits about the history of the Singing Saints.

Mark Tavern '94 Profiled for SLU Arts Website

2009-06-06T15:22:00.007-04:00

Mark Tavern, current Singing Saints Alumni Association President, was recently interviewed by St. Lawrence about using interships as a way to get a job in the music business. Read the rest here.

Mitch Galli '12 wins 2009 Northern New York Library Network (NNYLN) Student Recognition Award

2009-05-27T21:54:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to one of the newest Singing Saints on this well-deserved award. Read more about it on SLU's site.

Congratulations, Graduates!

2009-05-19T10:56:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the newest Singing Saints Alumni:

Seth A. Corliss '09
Justin M. Green '09

Seth and Justin received their degrees at SLU's commencement on May 17.

Spring Concert

2009-04-20T09:35:00.002-04:00

This year's Spring Concert will be on Saturday, April 25th. Check back for more details!

Facebook

2009-03-24T09:13:00.006-04:00

New Facebook groups have been created for Singing Saints, both alumni and current. Click here to join the main Singing Saints group and interact with your friends on Facebook. Click here to join the 60th Reunion group and get information about the upcoming reunion in 2010.

Save The Date!

2008-12-01T08:48:00.004-05:00

The Singing Saints 60th Reunion will be held June 4 - 6, 2010. Mark your calendars for what will be a very special event as alumni of all ages celebrate 60 years of men's a cappella.

Email your questions or check out the Reunion page for more info.

Alex Bartlett '94 releases "Living Room"

2008-11-13T21:18:00.005-05:00

Alex Bartlett, former Saints tenor and singer/songwriter from Northampton, MA, has released his long-awaited record "Living Room." He says: "I have been writing songs most of my life and hope to continue to do so. These are some melodies and lyrics I want to share. Listen with awesome speakers and your favorite people. Crank it in the car and sing along! Peace."

Buy it here or here or here.

Stone Creek Bar & Lounge

2008-11-13T21:10:00.004-05:00

Navé Strauss '08 will be the guest bartender at Stone Creek Bar & Lounge on Saturday, November 11. Many New York City Singing Saints alumni will be there, so stop by any time between 8 PM and 4 AM.

Stone Creek Bar & Lounge
140 East 27th Street (between Lexington and Third)
www.stonecreeknyc.com/

New Members

2008-10-08T11:32:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to the newest members of the Singing Saints:

Douglas C. McWilliams '12
Mitchell G. Galli '12
John T. Curle '12

Family Weekend Concert

2008-09-20T09:04:00.002-04:00

Please join the Saints and the Sinners on Saturday September 27 in Gunnison Memorial Chapel at 9 PM for their annual Family Weekend Concert.

Steve Allen and Duke Ellington

2008-06-30T08:55:00.004-04:00

Don't miss the piece by Jan Knost '56 in the Summer 2008 edition of St. Lawrence. Among other memories, he relates the story of the 1954 Singing Saints' trip to New York City where they performed on the Steve Allen Show and for Duke Ellington.

Graduation

2008-05-29T08:23:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the Saints in the class of 2008 and now the newest members of the Singing Saints Alumni Association:

Andrew Alvarez
Barrett Goodman
Navé Strauss

Spring Concert - May 3

2008-04-14T14:42:00.003-04:00

The Saints and Sinners Spring Concert will be May 3 at 8:00 PM in Gulick Theater.

Contact Navé Strauss '08, Music Director, for further details.

Scott Giles '82 appointed to the U.S. Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance

2008-04-03T14:50:00.001-04:00

Read the SLU news item here.

Todd Ford '94 starts new land use planning consulting firm

2008-02-20T21:18:00.000-05:00

Todd recently founded RiverStone Design Group, a land planning, engineering and architecture consulting firm based in Park City, UT that will focus on progressive design and green practices.

Read more about this former bass and his company: RiverStone Design Group.

Singing Saints Auditions

2008-01-31T09:09:00.001-05:00

Auditions for the Spring Semester will be held on Tuesday, February 5 in Gunnison Chapel at 8PM.

All interested undergraduate men are welcome and should be prepared to sing a piece of their own, sing with the group and do some vocal exercises.

Contact Navé Strauss, music director, with questions.

David Parker '65 releases CD "A Better Place to Be"

2008-01-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

Click here to buy the CD and get more information about this former Singing Saints Director.

Ken Okoth '01 named SLU trustee; joins fellow Singing Saint Richard Robie '54 (emeritus) on board

2007-06-11T13:37:00.000-04:00

Read the SLU press release.

Joel Waite '07 profiled

2007-01-22T21:42:00.000-05:00

Read the profile here.

Peter Wisby '86 appointed to the New York State Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

2006-11-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

Read the SLU press release here.

Wendy Berner '06, University Fellow, writes History of Vocal Music at SLU

2004-01-29T23:02:00.000-05:00

Laurentian Singer and Gospel Choir member Wendy Berner ’06 has written a University Fellowship paper on the history of vocal music at St. Lawrence. Read an excerpt about the Singing Saints from her paper here.

Josh Van Epps '03 profiled

2003-01-21T13:57:00.000-05:00

Read the SLU profile.

Mark Chapeskie '03 profiled

2003-01-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

Read the profile on the SLU site.