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History of The Villanova Singers: Six Decades of Brothers in Song  The Singers Perform in 1956  The 1965-1966 Singers  The 1970-1971 Singers in Concert  The Singers Perform in 1981
The Villanova Singers enjoy remarking that "Brothers in Song" is the anthem and motto of the group. The past fifty-plus years have solidified the brotherhood where music, friendships and camaraderie will be forever lasting.  Villanova Singers of the 1990's
 The Singers Perform at Winter Concert 2000
In The Beginning...  Dean Reuschlein
The Villanova Singers, Villanova University's highly acclaimed and versatile men's chorus, dates back to 1953 when Harold Gill Reuschlein, Dean of Villanova’s prestigious Law School, established the group for the purpose of singing various types of music and enriching the cultural life of the University. Dean Reuschlein began a tradition of brotherhood in song that has grown to be one of the strongest, most active, most successful organizations on campus. Dean Reuschlein was known to say that he was "as proud of the Villanova Singers as I am of what the Law School has become." The Fiss Decades  Dr. Herbert Fiss  Fr. Dennis Wilde
The Wilde Years The Singers third director, upon Dr. Fiss’ retirement to Florida, was Rev. Denis Wilde O.S.A. Fr. Denis took the baton in 1977 and directed the group for 10 years until 1987. Father Denis, an accomplished musician and arranger, not only brought new music to the Singer’s growing repertoire, but also injected refreshing energy into some of the all-time classics. Fr. Wilde received his Ph.D. in Music from Catholic University.  Michael Luisi, 1982
Fr. Wilde took a leave of absence in 1982 to complete his Ph.D in Music from Catholic University and returned to Villanova in 1985. For these seasons, Michael Luisi directed the group. Today, Michael Luisi is the Assistant Director of the Schwarzwald Maennerchor in Warminster, PA.  Adriane Torisi, 1989
For the 1987-88 and 1988-89 seasons, the Villanova Singers were directed by Adriane Torrisi (now Sister Adriane Torisi). In addition to her directing talents, Adriane herself was a talented singer, performing with the Singing City Choir of Philadelphia. After leaving Villanova, she spent six years as Music Director of the St John Eudes Music Ministry in Chatsworth, CA. In 1996, Adriane entered the convent of the Sisters Devoted to the Sacred Heart. Sister Adriane is now based in Santa Ana, California. The Meneely Decades  Brian Meneely  2006-07 Singers
On The Road Again...  Midwest Tour 1970
Tour bus trips are often memorable social events, offering opportunities to have fun, play cards, and (of course) sing. Air travel broadened the horizons for Singers tours. Since 1963, the Singers have logged almost 200,000 miles, leaving behind a long and distinguished trail of accomplishments stretching as far west as California, as far north as Canada, as far south as the Bahamas, and as far east as Poland and Greece. Singers tours typically produce great memories, and great musical moments, and there are several Singers who met their future wives on Tour.  Singers On Tour in Greece, 1997
 In the 1960's, the Singers perform Bach's Magnificat with a college in the Midwest
 On Tour in Poland, 1980
Some recent highlights include 7-day tours of Italy in the spring 2001, Austria and Germany in the spring of 2003, Puerto Rico in the spring of 2004, Montreal in the fall of 2004 and a return trip to Italy in the spring of 2005. In March 2007 the Singers performed on tour in Spain. The Villanova Spires  front row, l to r: Tom Picardo, Frank Romano, Ron Sisca, Jim Quinn. back row: Tim Hauser, Jack Armstrong, John Sperger, Jack Blake, Jim Croce
Within the Singers, there exists a smaller group known as the Spires, noted for performing contemporary music in an often humorous manner. They often arrange their own music and are entirely student directed. Originally founded as a folk group in the 1960s, such notables as Jim Croce, Tom Picardo (Tommy West), and Tim Hauser of Manhattan Transfer have been members of the Spires. Over the years, the group evolved from performing with guitars and bass to become an a cappella group.  The Spires 2007-2008
Perfect Union  The Original Perfect Union, 1976  Reunited, 2006
At a Villanova Singers concert in 2006, there was a "Perfect Re-Union" when members of the original group performed again. -Written by Michael Fink, Singers President 2004-05 - Edited by Bob Crowley, Singers President 1978-79
Herbert Fiss In Memory...  Herbert Fiss, who touched the lives of hundreds of Villanova singers from 1957 to 1977, left this world on June 24, 2004, at the age of 93. Until the end, music was very much a part of his life. From the program of the 75th anniversary of the Reading Leiderkranz Choruses [1960] ABOUT THE DIRECTOR In the year 1926, Professor Herbert Fiss came to the United States as a boy of fourteen from Breslau, Germany. After completing his musical studies, he specialized in directing German choral groups. In a short time, he became one of the leading directors in this field and most influential in keeping this German tradition alive. Professor Fiss founded and conducted the Lehigh Valley Symphony and in the past has conducted for the Philadelphia La Scala Opera, the Starlight Operetta Company of Dallas, Texas, and the Wilmington Opera Company. He is currently the director of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. Professor Fiss is director of music in the music department of Villanova University, St Joseph's College, and Rosemont College, and the Holy Family College. In his position as director of the singing groups of these schools, he is greatly loved and respected. Professor Fiss is also director of several singing societies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Under his expert leadership, one of his groups usually wins first prize in the singing competition conducted by the United Singers Federation of Pennsylvania and the Northeastern Saengerbund. Professor Fiss came to the Reading Liederkranz in 1935 and this year marks this 25th consecutive year as the director of the chorus. In this capacity, he has made an inestimable contribution toward the preservation of German singing in Reading. The versatility of Professor Fiss is well known. His friendly manner and efficient teaching methods ensure progress and have led the choruses to fine accomplishments. Comments about Herbert Fiss Mr. Fiss was an excellent musician, a consummate professional and a bona fide nice guy. He will be missed. I'm certain that he has already broken a baton directing a rehearsal of the Heavenly Choir. (Can Angels sing Pepita?) - Tom "Stacker" McConnell '79 "Uncle Herbie" was a huge influence on all of us as musicians, which is what we became under his tutelage. We all loved him and tried to emulate his dedication to music while at Villanova and after. I believe that I still sing today because of what he taught me as a young man. - Don Hoyt '70 But to have had the great fortune and honor of being taught and led by Herbert Fiss: that indeed was the essence of being a Singer. Stern one minute, joking the next, always striving for perfection. A master of both music and men, he made us want to sing, and sing well. Such was his skill that almost thirty years later I still remember what he taught. Whether it was in German, Spanish, Latin or Hebrew, the songs that he gave us are deeply embedded in my memory, as are his charm, wit and passion. I can say is that I am a far better man for having met Herbert Fiss. It was an honor and a joy to have sung for him. I go now, with the world a little quieter, and the music a little less sweet, but with memories that I will cherish forever. - Paul Belcastro '77 Singing in the Singers for Mr. Fiss is one of the accomplishments in my life of which I am most proud. - Dave Koch, ‘74 Herbert Fiss was a great director and a great man. He was incredibly demanding and caring, and he brought out the best in each of us. He nurtured a joy of singing, and all the music he taught me remains firmly planted in my brain, 34 years after graduating. He inhabits my memories frequently, and I continue to thank him for his great gift of music. - Paul Orleman, ‘73 Mr. Fiss enriched all of us far beyond that which he taught us about music. He taught us the value of dedication, hard work, striving for perfection and professionalism...If we believe that "he who sings prays twice," we can all rest easily knowing Mr. Fiss is happy in heaven. Just think of how many prayers were said through Mr. Fiss through the years! - Nicholas Moles '75 
I remember Mr. Fiss well and gladly. He'll have that upstairs string section in shape in no time and those heavenly choirs of Angels had better get ready to "sing a little bit sharp." - Tom Burke '69 Dr. Fiss was a tremendous influence in my life. He was a true genius who had a deep love of music that he showered over us. His passion for music was contagious. I still sing today thanks to the confidence and inspiration instilled in me by Dr. Herbert Fiss. He will be missed. - Fred Malvagno '70 He taught me to sing out and not be afraid of it. He was a major influence in my life. He started me out on a road I still travel, as I have continued to sing many operas & concerts in the last 30 years. I think of him fondly on stage because he's one of the major reasons I'm still there today. - Paul McIlvaine '71 Hear Mr. Fiss Direct the Singers! Thanks to Glenn Reitmeier, you can listen to a five minute montage of Mr. Fiss directing the Villanova Singers in his last year as Director, 1977. Click here "In The Beginning..." (Memories about the birth of the Villanova Singers)  In the beginning, during the Freshman year of the class of 1956, (1952) there was an abortive attempt to start a “Glee Club.” I recall Tom Blackmore was involved. There was poor reception of the group and a lack of enthusiasm by the conductor. They gave only one concert. There was also a Schola Cantorum which was quite active but very small. Involved in the Schola were Jack Padova, Don Davis, Tom Blackmore and myself, Connie aka “Moose” Urban. I also played the organ for some of the masses. The Schola was directed by Fr. Saelmann, a priest from the Netherlands. In 1953, our Sophomore year, Fr. Saelmann left Villanova and the Schola valiantly hung together sans director.
 Dean Reuschlein at the Organ, 1955
That is how the Villanova Singers were formed and named. (Since it wasn’t called a GLEEEEEEE Club, Dean Reuschlein became the first director of the Villanova Singers.)  The Villanova Singers Perform at Immaculata, 1955
Conrad "Connie" Urban took on the job as first president of the Singers. Soon after we started officially as the Villanova Singers, there was a smaller group formed from within that group and we named ourselves “The Mainliners.” This was in reference to Villanova being on the Main Line of the Pennsylvania Rail Road, and we had no inkling of the association it would later make to the drug culture. We were still living in the days of innocence. We were also an all-men’s college. But we did have “sister schools” in relatively close vicinity. And it was to those sister schools that this small group would go to “sing for our supper” and to scope out the “talent” for future social functions! The first Mainliners were: John (Jack) Jannuci, who sang lead, Joe Valenti was tenor-1, Joe D’Aquila (R.I.P.) was Baritone, Jack Padova and Connie Urban sang bass/baritone. Bill Smith, who joined us in year two also sang Baritone. (After Connie Urban left at the end of his Junior year in 1954 because of early admission to Medical School, Chuck Brockman took his place singing Bass/Baritone.) Our first introduction was “I’m Joe, I’m Jack, I’m Joe, I’m Jack, and my name is ‘Moose.’” I am still trying to remember some of the old standards that we sang. The ones that immediately come to my mind are: “Winter Song,” “Mister Moon,” “The Halls of Ivy,” "Margie," and some sea chanteys. ("What Do You Do With a Drunken Sailor?", etc.). I also remember a wonderful arrangement of the Villanova Alma Mater by Dean Reuschlein, which I don’t think is the one on our website, nor the one currently being used. -- Written by Conrad "Moose" Urban '56 (inaugural Villanova Singers president) Some additional memories of early Singers... After Moose, Jack and other key members of the class of ’56 established a strong foundation with The Dean as the Director, ’57, ’58, & ’59 classmates came rapidly aboard to assist in building the rest of the structure. Urban, Padova, Valenti, Jannuci and Smith started the Mainliners and performed at all of our concerts. Their songs as I recall were based on barbershop arrangements and popular group quartets of the late 50’s. My Little Margie; Down By The Riverside; No, Not Much; Standin’ On The Corner; Halls of Ivy; I Had A Dream Dear; and occasionally a musical number from Turf n’ Tinsel’s closing original song – It’s Been Nice, It’s Sure Been Nice And We’re Mighty Glad You Came were the memorable songs. Being a Mainliner was a quest of many. Reason? They were a small number, mobile and ready to sing at the drop of a hat or an offer of refreshment of various kinds… food or liquid. They sang everywhere including formal and informal dances and parties, especially when Bobby Schiller ’57 (RIP) and the Wildcat Five were playing. Bobby Schiller was a tangential part of the Singers as the Villanova Band Director. It was in 1956 when the Singers and the band joined together with RCA producing a 45rpm recording of the Alma Mater, the Winter Song, the March of the Wildcats and “V” for Villanova. We didn’t sell a million but we did make Villanova history – the first recording. Our first television performance was on WHYY public television, arranged by Ed Rofi ’59. We sang the Winter Song, Brahms Lullaby, Lo How a Rose E’re Blooming, the Halls of Ivy, and the Alma Mater. In 1956 we had a major musical gathering on stage at the now Jake Nevin Field House. There were singing groups from Penn, LaSalle, Temple, St. Joes, Immaculata, Rosemont, Chestnut Hill with Villanova being the host. Each school did a medley of their own favorite songs and then we all joined together singing the Prayer of Thanksgiving and The National Anthem with the Dean directing. What a moment! There were +/- 3000 in attendance.  St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel, 1955
Afterwards the Singers went over to Rosemont and we serenaded each dorm with Christmas carols. When finished, we gathered together with the Rosemont Choral Group for songs and refreshments in their Tea House. Since we earlier had a joint concert with Rosemont, we sang some of the songs we did together such as the medley from Oklahoma. My favorite was the classic movement from Dvorak’s New World Symphony – Going Home. They were sweet memories. Last but not least, in our formative years Moose escaped and went to medical school for early admission. His departure left us without an accompanist and part time leader. Fortunately, Jack Padova took over the baton as student director and we were graced with a new accompanist Ken Macgillivray ’59 a superb pianist. Also, in addition to Chuck Brockman singing the first verse of the Alma Mater, Peter Scott ’56, tenor/soloist, would give a special presentation and beautifully sing Che gelida manina from La Boheme. During those early years we began to make our mark and add concerts each year. By 1957 according to Charlie Ross ’57 President, we sang in 21 formal concerts and performed in dozens of informal concerts on and off campus. We were on our way. In 1957, at the young age of three years and with 70 voices, The Villanova Singers were making an impact. Finally, there are three members of the singers, class of ’57 who played 150lb football at Villanova: Vince Cardella, Jim Judge and Chuck Brockman. That’s a bit of trivia that is meaningless but had fond memories for the three. Warm regards, Chuck Brockman ‘57 |
