Villanova Singers Legacy

LATEST NEWS

(6/11/2009)
SEND A SINGER ON TOUR!

If you feel that the Villanova Singers gave you a lot, you can, with one donation, help to give all future Singers the chance to experience the joys of a Singers tour. The new Villanova Singers Endowment Fund has been established to help the Villanova Singers stay "on the road." 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.

You can help keep tours a memorable part of the Villanova Singers experience. Your donation to the Endowment Fund will be placed in a "pool of cash" that will fund tours with the interest earned by the endowment; the principal will remain in place to fund future tours.

Click on the ENDOWMENT tab to learn how your donation, large or small, will support Singers tours for generations to come. Your donation truly will be "a gift that keeps on giving." 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. Your donation, whether large or small, will keep the Singers on the road!

CURRENT TOTAL: $160,546.50, which is 80 % of our initial goal. Huge thanks to all the donors who have brought us this far. If you have not yet contributed, please help this number grow. By the beginning of the next school year, we hope to reach our goal of $200,000. When the endowment fund reaches this target, the endowment will be able to fund its first tour.

Any "general" donation to Villanova can be, at your request, directed to the "Villanova Singers Endowment Fund," and if your company has a matching gift program, this can help multiply your gift. To see an updated list of donors, and instructions on how you can contribute, click on the Endowment tab, or on the "donate now" button below.

Six decades of Singers tours add up to a lot of fine memories!

An early 70's Singers tour

(5/18/2009)
GRADUATION CONGRATULATIONS!

James Belasco, Andrew Clare, and Matt "Frenchy" Gerard join the ranks of Villanova Singers Alumni.

(5/1/2009)
BEST WISHES SENIOR SINGERS!

Senior Ryan McCann, Class of 2009, leads the Spires in song at the Spring Concert on April 18, 2009.

Smiling Senior Singers. Front: Andrew Clare, Shea Quinn, Matt "Frenchy" Girard. Back: Ryan McCann, Paul Parisi, Douglas Wisneiski.

Seniors Paul Parisi and James "Jimbo" Klein.

Senior Smiling Singing Singer Spire Shea Quinn.

(4/26/2009)
SINGERS PAST

Bill Ippolito, Class of 1972, and Edward C. Doherty, OSA, who served as Singers Moderator from 1962 to 1974, attended the Spring Concert on April 18, 2009.

For more pictures, click on the Pictures Tab, and visit the first Gallery" "Spring Concert, April 2009."

Alumnus Steve Guerrini, Class of 2007, is warmly greeted by senior Shea Quinn after the Spring Concert on April 18, 2009. Chris Irving (2011) looks on.

(3/9/2009)
SINGERS IN RIO

The Villanova Singers have added a new continent to their tour log; from February 27 through March 8, the Singers visited Rio de Janeiro. Above, Chris Irving (2011), Shea Quinn (2009), and Greg Moore (20011) enjoy Brazil.

(3/4/2008)
LEGACY 2010

The Villanova Singers Legacy Event 2010 will take place on March 19-21, 2010. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

(1/14/2009)
WELCOME BACK

Edward C. Doherty, OSA, who served for many years as Moderator for the Villanova Singers, has returned to the Villanova campus and is residing in Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery.

(12/23/08)
LISTEN AND REMEMBER

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.

SINGERS DIRECTORS

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.

Father Denis Wilde directed the Singers from Fall 1977 through May 1981 and from Fall 1984 through May 1988.

Mike Luisi was director of the Villanova Singers from Fall 1981 through May 1984.

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 will be his twentieth season leading the group.

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Welcome to the on-line home of the Villanova Singers Legacy - an exciting initiative for all Villanova Singers, current and past. The Singers legacy is its music and brotherhood. The "Villanova Singers Legacy" is a special initiative designed to bring the brotherhood together and assure that the traditions of the Singers continue to be 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, scroll down.

The next Villanova Singers Legacy Event will take place on March 19-21, 2010, on Villanova campus. We hope to see you there!

HINT: You can always get to the HOME page by clicking on the Singers logo in the upper left corner... learn more

FLASHBACK

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.

SO LONG, FAREWELL...

Senior Andrew Clare is Vice President of the Singers, and a member of The Spires. He has been a tremendous asset for the Singers Legacy. We wish him best of luck in the next chapter of his great adventure!

Soulful Senior Spire Jimmy Belasco.

The Villanova Singers and Voices perform Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms at the 2009 Spring Concert

Herbert Fiss directs the 1961-62 Singers on Tour at Marymount College

Regis Tour, 1995

European Tour, 1990

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.

Class of 2009 Seniors Andrew Clare, Shea Quinn, Ryan McCann, and Matthew "Rusty" Rusk in Brazil.

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.

Spring Concert, 1996

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.

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 .

DID YOU KNOW?

Manhattan Transfer founder Tim Hauser (bottom right above) was a Villanova Singer and member of The Spires. He graduated from Villanova in 1963. His partners are Alan Paul, Janis Siegel, and Cheryl Bentyne.

DID YOU KNOW?

Jim Croce graduated from Villanova in 1965. He was a member of the Singers and also performed with The Spires (who used the name "Coventry Lads" when they were performing at events not sponsored by Villanova).

DID YOU KNOW?

Before attending Villanova, Tom Picardo sang in a group called the Criterions with Tim Hauser. He performed in the Singers, and was the founding Director of the Spires. After graduating from Villanova in 1963, he was the producer for Jim Croce's albums. He sang and released albums (using the stage name Tommy West) as Cashman, Pistilli, and West; Cashman & West; the Buchanan Brothers; and a solo album. He continues to produce music today.

To read an interview with Tommy West, click HERE.

FLASHBACK

The Villanova Spires perform at the Christmas Concert, December 3, 1966.

In the spring of 1968, The Villanova Singers performed a concert with Metropolitan Opera soprano Eileen Farrell

90's Singers Smile

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. Learn more about Tom, Tim, and Jim at the bottom center of this page.

To learn more about the current Spires, visit the Spires website. You'll also find information about ordering Spires CDs.

The Spires, 1969-70

AUF WIEDERSEHEN, GOODBYE!

Class of 2009 Senior Singers Paul Parisi, Matthew "Rusty" Rusk, Ryan McCann, Shea Quinn, and Honorary Singer Joe Martyn on graduation day.

Class of 2009: Congratulations and warm wishes to all the Senior Singers! Enjoy your final days at Villanova, and welcome to the Band of Singers Alumni Brothers. Front: Andrew Clare, Shea Quinn, Matt "Frenchy" Girard, Matt "Rusty" Rusk. Back: Ryan McCann, Paul Parisi, Douglas Wisneiski , James "Jimbo" Klein, Jimmy Belasco.

Singers Director Brian Meneely with Senior Matthew "Frenchy" French, who has served as Singers President this season.

Brian Meneely with Seniors Shea Quinn, Douglas Wisneiski , James "Jimbo" Klein, Matt "Rusty" Rusk, Matt "Frenchy" Girard, and a bit of Jimmy Belasco.

Spring Concert 2009

The Villanova Spires in Rio, Spring 2009.

Tom McHugh (2012), Jonathan "Limbo" Limberakis (2010), Ryan McCann (2009), Jeff McGoldrick (2010), Miggy Gutierrez (2010), Greg "Moose" Moore (2011), and E.J. Mentry (2011) clown around in Brazil.

The 2008-2009 Villanova Singers in Baltimore, November 2008.

Three generations of Moose at Legacy 2008: Greg “Moose” Moore (2011), Greg “Moose” Faust (79), and Conrad “Moose” Urban (56).

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.

Five photos merged to show the 200 Villanova Singers performing at Legacy 2008. Singers spanned from the founding Class of 1956 to the current freshman class of 2011. Current Director Brian Meneely and past directors Mike Luisi and Father Denis Wilde led the group in song Saturday evening.

WHO WAS AT LEGACY 2008?

Jack Eddinger (56), Jack Padova (56), Moose Urban (56), Chuck Brockman (57), Sir Bob Lima (57), Richard Dressler (58), James Fox (58)

George Berry (62), Jim Quinn (64), Ted Braun (65), George Esser (65), Michael Neuman (65), Jim Sulzmann (65), Barry Burke (66), Jim Debesis (66), Frank Romano (66), Ron Turiello (66), Tom Westhoff (66), Jeff Richard (67), Emmett Bonner (68), Bill Cavanagh (68), Bob Chaves (68), Jack Csaklos (68), Ken Fersch (68), Newton Gilchrist (68), Joe Purifico (68), Patrick Schelle (68), Paul Sessions (68), Richard Smialek (68), Jim Vincenzo (68), Richard Kaplan (69), Aurelio Pontarelli (69), Bob Seraphin (69)

Mike DiVernieri (70), Denis Garbo (70), Rick Grabowski (70), Don Hoyt (70), Tom McAuliffe (70), Rich Orose (70), Mike Pouy (70), Bob Rodachy (70), Ray Santanna (70), John Sgrignoli (70), Remo Caputo (71), Rick Fersch (71), Tom Kane (71), Mike Del Priore (72), Joe Deviney (72), Bill Eads (72), Pop Floyd (72), Bill Ippolito (Ippi) (72), Barry Marron (72), Dave May (72), Joe Mignogna (72), Dave Mikowychok (72), Joe Orazi (72), Dave Paolantonio (72), John Hulka (73), Paul Orleman (73), George Psak (73), Gene Riordan (73), Steve Riley (73), Herb Sudfeld (73), John Van Tassel (73), Bert Wagner (73), John Aiello (74), Joe Goldschmidt (74), Bob Hughes (74), Jack Kelly (74), Mark Klimas (74), Dave Koch (74), John Murray (74), Geoff Sawyer (74), Lev White McQuillan (74), Bob Anderson (75), Ed Connell (75), Rev. Danny Doyle (75), Tom Giordano (75), Mike Rosci (75), Mark Ruane (75), Phil Scott (75), Andy Carrabus (76), Mike Filoromo (76), Bill Gambogi (76), Pat Ring (76), Bob Ballou (77), Jim Fongheiser (77), Verne Hebard (77), Glenn Reitmeier (77), Mike McCarthy (78), Chuck Nussbaum (78), Tom Pyne (78), Dan Callahan (79), Bob Crowley (79), Moose Faust (79), George Halcovage (79), Rick Lenahen (79), Pete McGowan (79), Doug Petix (79)

Tom Bucaria (80), Ferd Gunther (80), Bill Philip (80), Joe Beebe (81), Matt Fierro (81), Jim Anderson (82), Matthew Carlyle (82), Ron Schnellbacher (82), Fran Halcovage (83), Joe Lynch (83), Mark Reeth (83), Mike Stellabotte (83), Nick Orlando (85), Ken McEllyn (85), Tim Koob (87)

Tony Farina (92), Dan Giacobbe (93), Fish Schumann (93), John Sion (93), Bob Hoff (94), Jeff Kunsman (96), Steve Schaefer (96), Christopher Soltis (96), Steve Braut (97), Dan Williams (97), Scott Armato (98), Steve Glaab (98), Ron Monkries (98), Andrew Silver (98), Dave Stys (98), Michael Lamothe (99)

Richard Chesney (2000), Michael Eyre (2001), Mike Delaura (2002), Eric Clark (2002), Gianmarc Johns (2002), Rafael Dueno (2004), Paul Gladney (2004), Big Jim Murdoch (2004), Emeka Nwaneshiudu (2004), Mike Werner (2004), Drew Boles (2005), Chris Bilbao (2005), Ryan Corbi (2005), Michael Fink (2005), Kevin Schulz (2005), James Greenspan (2006), Nick Marini (2006), Jason O'Brien (2006), Broc Flores (2007), Mike Flynn (2007), Steve Guerrini (2007), Nick Medaglio (2007), Brendan Reilly (2007), Nick Sampogna (2007), plus the current Singers from the class of 2008: Scott Bona, Brian Capogna, Bill Hanlon, Pidge Hawkins, Jasaon Merritt, and Jim Belasco; the class of 2009: Andrew Clare, Matt Gerard, John Guyol, Jim Klein, Ryan McCann, Paul Parisi, Shea Quinn, Matthew Rusk, and Doug Wisneiski; the class of 2010: Kyle Dean, Jim Ellis, Charles Gillespie, Miguel Gutierrez, Chris Hylkema, Kevin Lavery, Jon Limberakis, Jeffery McGoldrick, Christopher Muyo, and Vince Vuono; and the class of 2011: Joseph Aguila, Gregory Baldini, Mike Distasio, Phillip Hearn, Patrick Hoy, Chris Irving, Logan Kirsch, Yasuhiro Kusakawa, Kent Maghacut, Kyle McConville, EJ Mentry, Greg Moore, Shawn Morris, Greg Sleasman, Paul Trahey, and Mike Twomey

Accompanist Niki Beaumariage (2008), Past Directors Mike Luisi and Father Denis Wilde, and current Director Brian Meneely!

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.



FIND YOURSELF! WE HAVE OVER 1000+ PICTURES ON-LINE FOR YOU TO VIEW. All six decades are represented (50s to 00'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 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!