Musical Clubs "PENNSYLVANIA" University Concert 1916-1917 Souvenir Program

Description

This is a rare 1916-1917 souvenir program from the Concert of the Musical Clubs (Glee Club and Mandolin Club) of the UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ..... Historical background:
Founded in 1862,
the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club (Penn Glee Club) is one of the oldest
continually running glee clubs
in the United States
and the oldest performing arts group at the University of Pennsylvania. The Club draws its singing members from the undergraduate and graduate populations of the
University of Pennsylvania
; individuals from the Penn community are also called upon to fill roles in the band and technical staff when the Club puts on theatrical productions. The club, known for its eclectic mix of Penn standards, Broadway classics and classical favorites, has traveled to over 40 countries and territories on five continents.
The Glee Club's premiere performance in 1862 was in the chapel of Collegiate Hall at Ninth and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia
for "an audience that was unusually select and large, the Hall filled to its utmost capacity".
The Glee Club quickly became a part of campus life, singing at football rallies, basketball games, alumni events, and chapel services. Soon, much of the university's musical demands depended upon the Glee Club. As a result, the reliance on such traditional collegiate songs such as
Gaudeamus Igitur
and
Integer Vitae
gave way to original pieces composed especially for the university and the Glee Club which themselves became traditions: "The Red and Blue",
"Afterglow,"
and "Fight On, Pennsylvania."
The Glee Club began to have more of a regional and national presence in the early decades of the Twentieth Century. In 1910, it embarked on a brief tour of the New England states and in
1915, the club sang at the U.S. Naval Academy.
In 1926, the Glee Club performed for President Calvin Coolidge
in the White House. (Wikipedia)
.....
DETAILS: The twenty page program measures 7" X 5 1/4" inches, has an embossed cover and includes the concert repertoire, lyrics to several of the songs, individual photos of the managers and leaders of the musical clubs as well as a list of the club members and group photos
..... CONDITION: With the exception of two small edge tears and light soiling to the covers, this rare program is in excellent condition and will make a wonderful addition to any collection. This item will be carefully packaged in a protective sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard.