No Beach, But Glee Club Makes Big Splash On Tour

The Glee Club jams in Tulsa

While hundreds of Wabash students made their way to warmer climates and beaches for Spring Break, the College's Glee Club made just as big of a splash while touring the southwestern United States.

Under the direction of Professor Larry Bennett, the Club performed for alumni, parents, friends of the College, and school kids on an eight-day, four-city tour.

The first stop was St. Louis, where the Glee Club was welcomed with open arms by the local alumni asssociation. Alumnus Charlie Raiser ’69 organized an alumni and parent dinner, where the Club performed. While in St. Louis, the Glee Club had the opportunity—thanks to John Bachmann ’60—to attend a concert by the St. Louis Symphony.

The Glee Club continued on its St. Louis tour singing at the 10:00 a.m. service at the Holy Communion Church in University City. Later that afternoon, the Club gave a concert there.

"The guys were simply amazing in St. Louis," said Director of Major Gifts Joe Emmick ’92. "The alumni and parents were thrilled to hear the Club and meet the students."

Performing in Tulsa

On to Tulsa was the battle cry on Monday. The Club was welcomed there by Mike Dill ’71 and Dick Daniels ’52. While in Tulsa, the Club performed for an alumni and parents dinner that evening, then gave two performances on Tuesday—at the Heatheridge Heights Assisted Living Center and at the Rotary Club of Southeast Tulsa.

On Thursday, the Club was welcomed by alumnus Bob Ouellette ’63 for its performances at the Booker T. Washington Magnet Arts School and at an alumni and parents dinner at the Las Colinas Country Club.

The Glee Club was welcomed by students at Booker T. Washington Magnet Arts School

After Dallas, the Club got to tour and perform in San Antonio. Ron Brown ’67 was one of many local alums to welcome the Club to his city, where the Club performed at St. John's Church and for an alumni and parents dinner at Mi Tierra Restaurant.

"I can't say enough about the enthusiasm our alumni have for the Glee Club," said Director of Alumni Affairs Tom Runge ’71, who was with the Club for the Tulsa, Dallas, and San Antonio legs of the tour. "And I want to thank Larry Bennett, the guys in the Club, and all of our alumni volunteers for making the tour a huge success.