December 2010
Happy Holidays from the UMMGC!

In This Issue

• Director's Corner: Brothers in Song Update
• Alumni Relations Manager Transition

Brothers in Song 2010: UM, Cass Tech High School Collaboration Celebrated on Radio

Those of you in attendance for the Fall Hill concert will have heard a fine performance by the Cass Tech High School Men’s Glee Club. This ensemble, conducted by UM alumna Dr. Cheryl Harden, was selected as this year’s Brothers in Song (BIS) collaborator. BIS, in its second year and formerly titled “Adopt a Choir,” seeks to connect UMMGC with gifted minority high-school students in southeast Michigan.

The BIS program drew the interest of Donald Walker, Director of Production and Education for WJRC 90.9 Detroit Public Schools. Mr. Walker conducted numerous interviews with both conductors and students from both ensembles, and assembled a very fine radio program – anchored by DPS student Rebecca Williams – that captures the specifics, the spirit, and the sounds of the collaboration, including performance excerpts of MGC favorites Zion’s Walls, Joshua, Plenty Good Room, Waitin’ for the Dawn of Peace, and Betelehemu.

BIS reminds us that Camaraderie can transcend the boundaries of our own ensemble. It was an enriching experience for all involved, and the radio program captures some of the sentiments we felt during our shared rehearsals and performance. We hope you’ll take time to enjoy the words and the music of this radio program (air date: December 8, 2010) to appreciate the power of this program for these young men.

http://www.wrcjfm.org/index.php/dps-backstage

A Farewell from Joe Wieciek

When I took over the role of Alumni Relations Manager over a year ago, I had no idea where it would lead. Looking back on it today, I'm grateful for all the experiences the position has given me.

I've traveled around the country and met friendly faces wherever I went. I've developed many friendships that will last beyond my remaining time at the University. I've learned about the history of the Glee Club not by reading about it, but by having conversations with the people who experienced it, whether it be five years ago or fifty.

I'm thankful for these experiences and will never forget them. I want to thank you all for your support of the Glee Club during my tenure and I hope you'll be as welcoming to my successor, Steven Fisher, as you were to me.

Steven is a sophomore from Maryland, majoring in Complex Systems. He got his first experiences with the Glee Club assisting with the 150th Anniversary Celebration, and has been deeply involved ever since. At the beginning of next semester, he will take over most of my responsibilities, including sending this newsletter. Please join me in wishing him the best as he assumes these roles.

As for me, I'll see you on the other side.

In Tradition, Camaraderie, and Musical Excellence,
Joe Wieciek