LATEST NEWS (3/7/2010) LISTEN & LEARN: LEGACY CONCERT MUSIC You can listen to Singers recordings of most of the numbers we will perform at the Legacy 2010 concert and mass. Click the REPERTOIRE TAB and listen! (3/7/2010) JOIN YOUR BROTHERS IN SONG! The Legacy 2010 event takes place on March 19th-21st. You know we want you to be there, and you will have a marvelous time. So.... Click on the SCHEDULE tab to see the events planned for the weekend. Then click the REGISTER tab to purchase your tickets. See the list of who is coming (on this page, in the third column). If your name is there, great. If not... get moving! (3/7/2010) URGENT: RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM TODAY! If you are coming from afar, reserve your hotel room for Legacy Weekend now. A block of rooms has been reserved at the The Hampton Inn Plymouth Meeting. Call 610-567-0900, and let them know you are part of the Villanova Singers Legacy group (special rate of $119 per night). The block of rooms reserved at the special rate will be released on March 8th, so call immediately! (3/7/2010) ON THE ROAD AGAIN: NEARING OUR GOAL Your donation to the Villanova Singers Endowment Fund will support Singers Tours... forever! Over the years, the cost of a Singers tour has grown dramatically, and the Singers budget has not. The result: a dramatic cutback in touring. The Endowment Fund is designed to help the Villanova Singers stay "on the road." Your donation will be placed in a "pool of cash" that will fund tours with the managed returns earned by the endowment; the principal will remain in place permanently to fund future tours. It's easy: click on the ENDOWMENT tab to learn how to direct your donation to the Endowment Fund. You can contribute in several ways: on-line with a credit card, by mail with a check, or via automatic withdrawal from your bank account. You can opt to spread your donation over time, giving an amount you choose on a bi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. You can set it up so the amount you desire is automatically transferred from your bank account to the Endowment Fund for the duration you determine. All contributions are fully tax deductible. If your company has a matching gift program, this can multiply your gift. Please note: it is EXTREMELY important that your specify that your donation is for "The Villanova Singers Endowment Fund." If you just specify "Villanova Singers," the money may be directed to the Singers current annual budget, and will not permanently fund tours in the Endowment. CURRENT TOTAL: $185,434.68, which is 93 % of our initial goal of $200,000. When the endowment fund reaches this target, the endowment will be able to fund its first tour. To see the updated list of donors, and instructions on how you can contribute, click on the Endowment tab, or on the "donate now" button below. DONORS WITH CLASS The Class of 1970 is in the lead, with 8 donors. Second place is held by The Class of 1973, with 6. There is a three-way tie for third place: the Classes of 1975, 2004, and 2007, with 5 donors each. Six decades of Singers tours add up to a lot of fine memories! An early 70's Singers tour (2/28/2010) REST IN PEACE Mike Luisi, who was director of the Villanova Singers from Fall 1981 through May 1984, passed away on February 24, 2010 at the age of 58 after a long illness. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002. (1/27/2010) WELCOME BACK, FATHER DOHERTY Bill Ippolito, Class of 1972, and Edward C. Doherty, OSA, who served as Singers Moderator from 1962 to 1974, at the Spring Concert on April 18, 2009. Father Doherty is back on the Villanova campus, living in the monastery. He looks forward to seeing you at Legacy 2010! Edward C. Doherty, OSA, along with Villanova Singers officers, a few years back. (1/5/2010) SING YE NOEL! Click on the Pictures tab to view photos from the 2009 Christmas Concert featuring the Singers, Voices, Spires, and Haveners. (9/5/2009) MAGICAL MUSICAL MEMORIES Click the Repertoire tab and listen to songs performed by the Villanova Singers, Spires, and Perfect Union. There are recordings from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s, so please expect the sound quality to vary a bit! The Spires selections include several songs from the original (1962-63) Spires featuring Jim Croce, Tim Hauser, and Tommy West (that's Jim Croce at the beginning of Kilgarra Mountain). Thanks to Tom Picardo (Tommy West), founding Director of the Spires, for the superb-quality versions of these original Spires recordings. You can download any of these songs if you'd like to enjoy them on your iPod or burn them to a CD. (7/21/2009) WELCOME NEW OFFICERS Congratulations to the Villanova Singers 2009 - 2010 Executive Board: President Greg Moore (2011), VP Shawn Morris (2011), Tour Director Kyle Dean (2010), Treasurer Miguel Gutierrez (2010), Alumni Chair E.J. Mentry (2011), Secretary Jeff McGoldrick (2010), Fundraising Chair Kent Maghacut (2011), Publicity Chair Chris Irving (2011), Librarian Edward Klein (2012), Historian Pete Rechter (2012), and Webmaster Mike Distasio (2011). We wish you and all your brothers in song a great 2009-2010 Season! SINGERS DIRECTORS: A HISTORY Harold Gill Reuschlein, founding Director of the Villanova Singers, also was the founder of the Villanova Law School. For more, see the History tab. Director Herbert Fiss, who led the Singers from 1957-1977, had a profound impact on hundreds of Singers. For memories of Herbert Fiss, see the History tab. To listen to voice clips of Mr. Fiss giving guidance during a Singers practice from 1977, his final year as Director, right click HERE, and choose "Save Target As" to download the mp3 file to your computer. This file should play on iTunes, Windows Media Player, Real Audio and any other media player. When you see "Download Complete" you can click on the "Open" button to listen immediately. Father Denis Wilde directed the Singers from Fall 1977 through May 1981 and from Fall 1984 through May 1988. Adriane Torrisi directed the Villanova Singers during the 1988-89 and the 1989-90 seasons. Villanova Singers Director Brian Meneely took over as Director in the Fall of 1990. The 2009-2010 school year marks Brian's twentieth season leading the group. Site Counters Visits total: 56726 Visits today: 138 Visits yesterday: 59 Visits month: 673		The 2010 Villanova Singers Legacy Event takes place on March 19-21 on the Villanova campus. Friday evening will feature an informal dinner and song-fest. Saturday events include rehearsal, free time, performances by the current Singers and all alumni, and a formal dinner. On Sunday morning, there will be a special Singers Mass in the main chapel, followed by a farewell brunch. This year's event will feature some "new old faces," including Rev. Edward C. Doherty, who served as Moderator from 1962 to 1974. The 2009-10 school year marks Brian Meneely's twentieth season as Director of the group. It would be particularly fitting for a large contingent of "Meneely Men" to attend this year! Legacy weekend is designed to celebrate the brotherhood and the music of the Villanova Singers. We hope to see you there. WHAT IS THE VILLANOVA SINGERS LEGACY? The Villanova Singers Legacy is an exciting initiative for all Villanova Singers, current and past. The goal of the "Singers Legacy" is to connect "Brothers in Song" and assure that the traditions of the Singers - music, brotherhood, and touring - are enjoyed and passed on from generation to generation. At the inaugural Legacy Event in 2007, more than 150 Singers and 100 guests gathered to reconnect, reminisce, and (of course) sing. The 2008 Legacy Event took place at Villanova on April 4-6, 2008, with more than 200 Singers and over 80 guests. Singers from six decades, from the founding Class of 1956 through the current members, found the event to be a memorable and moving experience. To see the Singers who attended Legacy 2008, scroll down. At this year's event we hope to have an even bigger turnout. Plan to be at Villanova March 19-21, 2010, and stay tuned to this site for details about the agenda and ticket purchase information. NOTE: You can always get to the HOME page by clicking on the Singers logo in the upper left corner... learn more ORIGINS Before attending Villanova, Tom Picardo co-founded a doo wop group called the Criterions with his friend Tim Hauser. At Villanova, Tom and Tim performed in the Singers, and Tom was the founding Director of the Villanova Spires. Other members of the 1962-63 Spires were Jack Armstrong, Jack Blake, Jim Croce, Tim Hauser, Jim Quinn, Frank Romano, Ron Sisca, and John Sperger. After graduation, Tim created the group Manhattan Transfer. Tom sang and released albums (using the stage name Tommy West) as Cashman, Pistilli, and West; Cashman & West; and the Buchanan Brothers; and he released a solo album. Tom produced Jim Croce's albums; he continues to produce music today. To read an interview with Tommy West, click HERE. Manhattan Transfer performing at Trude Heller's, 1973. Tim Hauser (63), sports a top hat. Manhattan Transfer founder Tim Hauser (bottom right above), with Manhattan Transfer today. His partners are Alan Paul, Janis Siegel, and Cheryl Bentyne. Jim Croce, Class of 1965, was a member of the Singers and The Spires (who used the name "Coventry Lads" when they were performing at events not sponsored by Villanova). After Villanova, Jim pursued a music career, and found success. He died, tragically, in a plane crash at age 30, shortly before the release of his fifth album. Two of his singles, "Time in a Bottle" and "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" reached Number 1 on the Billboard chart. DID YOU KNOW? Once upon a time, the men of Villanova had to wear jackets and ties to class and to mass (where attendance was taken). Females, of course, were not allowed in the dorms. Hard to believe, no? Pictured here, John Janucci (56), Robert Ford (56), Paul Landau (55), and Connie “Moose” Urban (56) in 1955. Meet Moose at Legacy 2010! European Tour, 1990 Regis Tour, 1995 The 1996-97 Spires Saint Louis Bound: The 71-72 Singers embark on a Midwest tour in March 1972. Harold Gill Reuschlein, organist, author, founder and first Director of the Villanova Singers, and founder of the Villanova Law School. Jan Montero, Class of 1966, on tour in Chicago in 1965. Herbert Fiss directs the 1961-62 Singers on Tour at Marymount College The 1960-61 Singers in the Villanova Chapel Geoff Swetz and Chris "Bongo" Soltis offer support to Bob Hoff (center) at the Singers Dinner Dance in April 1991. Herbert Fiss leads the 1962-63 Singers in rehearsal. Go to Repetoire page to hear Villanova Singers from every decade. You can download songs to your pc and transfer them to your ipod or listen on your computer via a media player. DID YOU KNOW? ALMA MATER FUN FACTS: Al Dubin and Joseph Burke, the two men responsible for Villanova's Alma Mater, have a pretty impressive songbook. Working together or with other collaborators, they are responsible for works such as I Only Have Eyes for You, We're in the Money, Forty-Second Street, Pennies From Heaven, Rambling Rose, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, the Academy Award winning Lullaby of Broadway, and the infamous Tip Toe Through the Tulips With Me. You can find the Alma Mater lyrics (to all three verses), sheet music, and versions recorded by the Villanova Singers and Band on the Villanova University website . You will find the Singers’ sheet music and another Singers recorded version by clicking the Repertoire tab above. As Villanova has been coed for some time, the line “loyal sons of Villanova” is typically now sung as “loyal heirs of Villanova.” Want to sing the Alma Mater in Latin? Check it out . LOOK WHO'S COMING! At Legacy 2010, you'll have the opportunity to meet three generations of Moose: Greg "Moose" Moore (2011),who is President of the 2009-2010 Villanova Singers; Greg "Moose" Faust from the Class of 1980; and Conrad "Moose" Urban, from the founding Class of 1956. Below is an early listing of individuals who have let us know they plan to attend Legacy 2010 (as of February 25th). We will update this list as the registrations come in. Father Edward Doherty (Moderator 1962-74), Father Denis Wilde (Director 1977-81 and 1984-86), Brian Meneely (Current Director, celebrating his 20th anniversary of leading the Singers) 1950s Jack Eddinger (56), Jack Padova (56), Connie "Moose" Urban (56 - first president of The Villanova Singers), Chuck Brockman (57), Sir Bob Lima (57), Jim Fox (58) 1960s Tom Picardo [Tommy West] (63), Ron Sisca (63), Michael Ferrara (64), Phil Maher (64), Jim Quinn (64), Ted Braun (65), Mike Neuman (65), Clinton Powers (65), Barry Burke (66), Jim Debesis (66), Frank Romano (66), Ron Turiello (66), Jeff Richard (67), Bill Cavanagh (68), Bob Chaves (68), Jack Csaklos (68), Newton Gilchrist (68), Joe Purifico (68), Jim "Grimble" Vincenzo (68), Aurelio Pontarelli (69) 1970s Mike DiVernieri (70), Denny Garbo (70), Rick Grabowski (70), Rich Orose (70), Mike Pouy (70), Bob Rodachy (70), Ray Santanna (70), John Sgrignoli (70), Remo Caputo (71), Tom "TK" Kane (71), Paul McIlvaine (71), Jim O'Brien (71), Joe Deviney (72), Bill Eads (72), Dan Fazzini (72), Pop Floyd (72), Bill Ippolito (72), Barry Marron (72), Dave Mikowychok (72), Joe Orazi (72), Dave Paolantonio (72), Bill Grabowski (73), John Hulka (73), Paul Orleman (73), Steve Riley (73), Gene Riordan (73), Herb Sudfeld (73), John Aiello (74), Joe Goldschmidt (74), Bob Hughes (74), Jack Kelly (74), Dave Koch (74), Lev White McQuillan (74), Bob Anderson (75), Fred Hugue (75), Andy Carrabus (76), Mike "The Don" Filoromo (76), Bill Gambogi (76), Jack Nash (76), Jim Fongheiser (77), Jim McCulla (77), Glenn Reitmeier (77), Dan Callahan (79), Joe Carmichael (79), Bob Crowley (79), Sue Lyons (79), Pete McGowan (79) 1980s Tom Bucaria (80), Brian Duggan (80), Greg "Moose" Faust (80), Ferd Gunther (80), Joe Beebe (81), Jim Anderson (82), Ron Schnellbacher (82), Fran Halcovage (83), Joe Lynch (83), Duane Siberski (84), Robert "Zamp" Zampetti (84), Dave Klein (85), Nick Orlando (85), Dominic DiMartino (86), Ken McEllyn (86), Tim Koob (87) 1990s Bob Desilets (92), Dan Giacobbe (93), Bob Hoff (94), Steve Glaab (98) 2000s Kevin Chupka (03), Paul Gladney (04), Jim Murdoch (04), Nate Wildfire (04), Drew Boles (05), Michael Fink (05), Jim Greenspan (06), Jason O'Brien (06), Matt Cannon (07), Broc Flores (07), Mike Flynn (07), Brendan Reilly (07), Nick Sampogna (07), Niki Beaumariage (08), Bill Hanlon (08), Joe "Pidge" Hawkins (08), Jimmy Belasco (09), Andrew Clare (09), Matt "Frenchy" Gerard (09), Ryan McCann (09), Matt "Rusty" Rusk (09) Class of 2010: Charlie Gillespie, Kevin Lavery , Jon Limberakis, Jeff McGoldrick, and Vince Vuono Class of 2011: Mike Distasio, Phil Hearn, Pat Hoy, Chris Irving, Kent Maghacut, Thomas McHugh , E.J. Mentry, Greg "Moose" Moore, Shawn Morris, Logan O'Dea, Greg Sleasman, Paul Trahey, Adam West Class of 2012: Teague Avent, Alexander Bernato, Patrick Borja, Eric Chen, Justin Cooper, Taylor Cooper, Mike Donio, Ahmed El-Razi, Eddie Klein, Paul Lee, Andrew Masiello, Moe Htet Mgint, Andres Ortiz-Gomez, Dave Soto Class of 2013: Chris Chestnut, Haring Colby, Matthew Colon, Chris Denny, Joseph Denny, Nicolas Giraldo-Wingler, Patrick Hamlet, Sean Hannan, Alexander Kersten, Joseph Kiley, Michael Neal, Kevin O'Leary, Chris Paulison, and Russel Quinones. Father Peter Donohue, President of Villanova, plans to stop in (unless he is cheering on the Wildcats in a playoff game)! FLASHBACK: The 1963 Villanova Spires boasted a particularly heavy dose of musical talent. Front Row: Tom Picardo, Frank Romano, Ron Sisca, Jim Quinn. Back Row: Tim Hauser, Jack Armstrong, John Sperger, Jack Blake, Jim Croce. To learn more about the current Spires, visit the Spires website. You'll also find information about ordering Spires CDs. LEGACY 2010 The Villanova Singers Legacy Event is designed to connect generations of Singers. At Legacy 2010, the alumni and current Singers attending will span seven decades. You will have the chance to perform in a concert with songs from the Singers repertoire over the decades. LEGACY EVENT 2008: MUSIC AND MEMORIES Alumni join the current Singers at Legacy 2008. Current Director Brian Meneely and past directors Mike Luisi and Father Denis Wilde led the group in song Saturday evening. More than 200 voices, representing six decades of Villanova Singers; it is an experience that defies description! The Villanova Spires at Legacy 2008. Friday night featured an informal "song-fest" with performances by assorted collections of Spires, Mainliners, Perfect Unionists, and current and past Singers. Founding Brothers in Song: 1950s Grads at Legacy 2008. Left to Right: Sir Robert Lima (57), James Fox (58), Jack Padova (56), Conrad “Moose” Urban (56), Chuck Brockman (57), and Jack Eddinger (56) Sixties Singers reunite at Legacy 2008. John Dunphy, Villanova’s Head of Music Activities, joins Paul Orleman (73), Singers Director Brian Meneely, Paul Gladney (2004), and Bill Ippolito (72) at Singers Legacy 2008. FLASHBACK In the spring of 1968, The Villanova Singers performed a concert with Metropolitan Opera soprano Eileen Farrell 90's Singers Smile FIND YOURSELF! WE HAVE OVER 1000+ PICTURES ON-LINE FOR YOU TO VIEW. Graduating classes from all seven decades are represented (50s to 10's). Please click on the button below to be taken to our photos page where you can view AND register with your email to upload your pictures right to the site. WE NEED YOUR HELP! We would like your assistance in identifying many photos, particularly those from the 90's and the 60's, so please add your comments if you can identify date, location, etc. We also need 50's, 80's, and 90's guys to dig into their archives and post more photos of Singers and Singers events. Thanks for helping us fill in pieces of the past!
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