Farewell This is the last year Choral Activities

will be located in the Memorial Student Center for at least three years. The Choral Activities Office has been

in the MSC longer than Century Singers has been an organization at Texas A&M University. The CAO is the only home that the Century

Singers have ever known. Therefore, the cover of this yearbook is dedicated

to the old rehearsal space.

Cover by Nick Badger

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Texas A&M University

Century Singers2008-2009

YearbookVolume XI

Leading the

Choir

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President Kelley Baxter

T his year was so incredibly amazing! I feel so lucky to have been an officer twice now (Pollard Rep my sophomore year and President this year),

and I feel so blessed to have been on the board during such an amazing year. I will never forget listening to Mr. Wade grumble and mumble in the mornings during the summer, singing dirty things in Latin in Carmina Burana, hanging out with the entire CAO on Spring Tour, running around backstage during Showcase, and, of course, trying desperately to get updated information regarding the CAO’s relocation.

However, I had some amazing people on board this year. I love them all dearly, and couldn’t have made it through the year without them. I can’t even begin to explain how amazing this choir is and how much I love every single member, especially all of our fantastic Pollards! I know that when I leave this choir sometime down the road, Century Singers will be safe in the hands of Mr. Wade and the new officer board.

Now that we’re leaving the MSC, we all have a lot of new challenges heading our way, but I know that together we’ll be able to overcome anything and still remain a strong family.

Thank you all so much for such an incredible year, and I’ll see y’all next fall.

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Vice President Haley Knight

W hen I look back on the past four years that I have been a member of this amazing organization, I can only think of things filled with laughing-so-

hard-I-can’t-breathe kind of moments. I’ve spent countless hours down in that tucked away corner of the MSC base-ment we have all come to know as our second home, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Century Singers is what I have lived for; y’all are my family. Each and every one of you holds a special place in my heart that can never be replaced.

I’m going to miss it all: the yelling that comes out of our office from everyone talking over each other, polos and uniform bags, Hullabaloo lunch, the crazy hours I have spent with the most amazing officer board and best friends I could ever ask for, especially during board meetings when three pounds of assorted chocolates are involved. Most im-portantly I’m going to miss the amazing man behind all of it who not only keeps us going everyday, but overhears all of our conversations one from one office door over (even if we don’t know its happening).

Even though we are leaving the MSC this year, it truly doesn’t matter. We have had each other to lean on through it all, and will continue to have countless memories to keep us going. Wherever Choral Activities goes, believe me, I’ll find it when I come back; and most likely, yes, I’ll bring my Snuggie. CS LOVE to all of you.

Treasurer Courtney Crosby

T

o all my precious Century Singers:Where to begin... You simply amaze me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for not only your

hard work, dedication, turning in your money on time and enthusiasm for fundraisers but for your kind spirits, pure love of music, and your laughter that never ceases to warm my soul. Thank you for allowing me into your lives and for the opportunity to be your treasurer this year. I am truly humbled and honored to have had this opportunity to serve you as individuals and as the Century Singers in whole.

I will never forget how much fun I had this year with you all, from discovering the elusive CAO bathroom, to finding my inner angry face, to all the little ways you breathe life into this choir. Thank you for sharing in some of my most cherished memories. After this year, I may be one appendix short but I am one family strong and I could not have asked for a better trade.

I hope you all know that I am forever here to help you in any way I can (barring illegal activities of course). You have truly captured a piece of me that will forever belong to this organization. I’ll never be able to repay all of what you have done for me. May God continue to bless your lives and may you never forget His promise for you in Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”

I love you all so dearly!

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Secretary Jenna Christopher

A to Z of what Century Singers means to me!Amazing friends; Board meetings, I have never worked with such remarkable people and thanks

for always being there to help me; Choir nerd, always and forever; Delightful music making, because that’s what it’s all about; Entertaining CAO time; Fantastic table smashing; Greece, unforgettable experience; High notes, I love them; Interesting sounds, coming from the tenor section; Jess Wade III, the most amazing man ever who without, we would be nothing; Kelley Baxter, my po rep, president, and roommate; LOVE, CS Love; Mr. Wade’s mustache, epic; Nguyen, I will always pronounce it Ni-goo-yen; Old Irish Blessing; Pollards, I hope you guys stay with Century Singers as long as you can; Quietly sat in our seats, yeah right; Retreat, probably one of my favorite parts of being an officer; Soprano I, the best...just saying; TNFTs!, thanks for everyone showing up to them and you guys are the reason why they were so much fun; Unbelievable memories; Very attractive people, why is that choir kids are always so good looking?; Website, Kevin, you are so talented and you have done so much for this choir and you’ll be seriously missed; eXcited about my senior year, and all the good times yet to be had; Your kindness, I’ve always felt so loved by this group; Zions Walls, the only thing I could think of when I thought of the letter Z.

Fall Performance Manager Gregg Kite A

fter 3 years in Century Singers, not much has changed. There are still the most fantastic people, with the most incredible talent, and the most

caring personalities I’ve ever encountered in this amazing organization. I’ve had plenty of ups and downs over the course of these six semesters, but I always end up with the most amazing experiences.

With every new Pollard class comes another group of fifteen to twenty-five new close friends who I spend practically my entire life with. I’ve shared so many inside jokes over the years that I randomly laugh during people’s sentences on occasion because they’ve inadvertently stumbled upon one. People have come and gone, and some have come back again, and I’ve enjoyed riding the waves of this group, even though that comes with the highs of new friends and the lows of seeing old ones go.

I was so blessed to be able to take a leadership role in the Fall, and had an awesome time being in a position where I could try and better the choir in any way I could possibly think of. My heart for this group is huge, and I hope that I can leave a significant impact on each and every person I encounter in it, as many of them have left one on me. We sing Old Irish Blessing habitually now, but the words are so great, “May God hold you in the palm of his hand.” This group is truly in the hands of God, and I am blessed to be a part of it.

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Spring Performance Manager Eric Gallegos

I never really planned to continue to pursue choir when I entered college but after not singing for a semester, I realized this was one of the worst ideas I

had ever come up with. Joining Century Singers is one of the best things that has ever happened to me and when I first joined, I was fully content with just being a member.

In Spring of 2009, the opportunity arose to take over the Performance Manager position; I gladly accepted. Had you asked me when I first joined Century Singers I would be planning something as big and important as Showcase a year later, I would have simply laughed at the idea. When I took on the job, I could not believe what I had gotten myself to and I was immediately stressed and overwhelmed with everything.

Although it has been the most stressful months of my life, it has also been the best. Never would I have thought I would meet so many incredible people and work with such an amazing board. Besides my fellow officers, I also got to create friendships with fellow Century Singers that I had only briefly talked to before; man you are all amazing. I will never forget the moments we have shared together as a choir, and everything that you guys have given me. You all mean a lot to me and I am definitely looking forward to all our future endeavors and will definitely miss the few that must sadly leave us. I love you all.

Publicity Representative Kelsey StephensonT

o my beautiful and fabulous Century Singers—I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it has been

to be a member of your board this year. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead you. This year has been hard work, but I have loved working hard for such a talented group of people.

I have loved watching the new Pollards come in on their first day, so sweet and quiet, only to become some of the most dynamic members in this choir. I have loved making new friends and strengthening bonds with old ones. I have loved walking into the office every day and leaving even happier than I was before. I have loved experiencing Mr. Wade’s endless tie collection – everything from Burberry London to hidden Mickeys. I have loved board meetings, secret board meetings, officer retreats, officer facebook threads, and numerous office recording sessions.

Thank you to everyone who has ever put up a flyer, folded or stapled a table tent, worn a Century Singers or CAO t-shirt, or put up a banner while I just stood there (Nick and Kevin). It is people like you who have helped make us known, gotten people to our concerts, and reminded students and faculty alike that YES, we do have a choir program, and we are awesome.

Mr. Wade—I know you think I’m crazy, and I might be, but thank you for being an incredible director. I admire you greatly. Stay classy.

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Pollard Representative Allison Harbin

S omeone once told me that being in a choir is a unique experience because sharing something as personal as your voice with say, 80 other people

brings all of you together in a way that many other organizations can’t.

Century Singers has been my personal haven during my first two years here at A&M and having the privilege of being Pollard Representative is more than I could have ever asked for. This officer position has taught me so much about myself and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have had so much fun this year being on the officer board working with some amazing leaders of this organization.

Introducing new members into this awesome organization has been an incredible experience. I love getting to show the new Pollards all of the opportunities there are available in this choir. There are so many ways to grow and learn from this group and I hope that I’ve been successful in giving the Pollards as many opportunities to love Century Singers as much as I do.

To my Pollards, y’all have been amazing and I love each and every one of you. I can’t wait to continue getting to know you better. To my officer board, I never could have made it out alive without y’all helping me in every way possible. Y’all will never know how much you mean to me.

And to Mr. Wade, thanks for making this all possible.

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Formers Liason Missy Holloway

Director Jess Wade III

Accompanist Chris Hoffman

Admin. Assistant Vickie Cook

Our Staff

&

2008-2009

Producers

Pollards

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Producers

May the road rise to meet you,

Matthew Abbott Tiffany Archer Donovan Bacuyag Nick Badger

Courtney Barnard Kelley Baxter Kelsey Beach Brad Bowen

Bryan Boyd Ashley Burges Jenna Christopher Katie Coburn

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Producers

Aaron Coleman Courtney Crosby Nikki DeLeon Jeramiah Domingo

Karen Duong Leslie Anne Frazier John Galindo Eric Gallegos

Chris Gibbs Joshua Hall Allison Harbin Reed Harris

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May the wind be always at your back,

Producers

Hannah Harrison Genevieve Hartman Andrew Haynes Jackie Hebert

Chris Heflin Mollie Honnas Caleb Hotze Sam Houston

Emily Jewel Hudson Matt Johnson Nathan Kasten Gregg Kite

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Haley Knight Rachel Krajca Jared Longoria Blake Martin

Claire McCaskill Patrick McGinty Haley Mims Mac Morgan

James Nguyen Sarah Norby Alex Pankonien Stephen Powell

Producers

The sun shine warm upon your face,13

Producers

Stacy Prukop Nicole Reidesel Meghan Sheridan John Earl Smith

Kelsey Stephenson Kevin Tarlow Oliver Thoma Austin Tutt

Danielle West Mace Williamson Ronni Wolford

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Pollards

Elizabeth Antholzner Solé Artiz Candice Ashburn Caroline Badalamenti

Andrew Barerra Betsy Bauerschlag Alison Bennett Michelle Bossert

Michael Brau Douglas Brown Jacqueline Coleman Elizabeth Diano

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Pollards

The rain fall soft upon your fields,

Jessie DiCarlo Caitlyn Downs Rebecca Duvall Emily Eisenrich

Edward Espinosa Colin Frazier Lauren Guerra Kevin Gwinn

Amanda Jones Sarah Knieriemen Lauren Kotlarz John Lake

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Pollards

Monty Maisano Katie McCauley Ryan McMasters Kristen Moffatt

Lindy Nicosia John Ortiz Jennifer Palmer Erin Pilcher

Patrick Reichert Jordan Rogers Alex Schaaf Andrew Schaaf

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Pollards

And until we meet again,May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Lindsey Sheridan Katie Shoemaker

Polly Smellage Karen Thomas

Christopher Vent Chad Whitely

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Century Singers2008-2009

Century Singers2008-2009

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Carmina Burana

Holiday Spirit of Aggieland Concert

What We Work For...

C arl Orff ’s Carmina Burana was performed in Rudder Auditorium by the Century Singers along with the Brazos Valley Chorale, Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, and Brenham Children’s Chorus. The performance was directed by Dr. Marcelo Bussiki. The soloists for the piece were baritone James Kee,

soprano Susan Lovelette, and tenor Chris Hoffman. After months of rehearsal, the performance went very well (especially after Mr. Wade made sure the children’s

chorus knew what they needed to do). There was such a large number of people in the audience, the balcony level had to be opened up for seating. Over 1,700 tickets were sold, but only 1,300 programs were printed. This slight problem was gladly welcomed though, because more people came to the concert than were originally planned.

E ach year during the holiday season, all three choirs perform at the Holiday Spirit of Aggieland Concert. Going along with tradition, the concert was opened by the Century Singers singing Carol of the Bells. To a very full audience, the choir sang a variety of songs ranging from an arrangement of Silent Night to a

medley, Caroling, Caroling. After finishing their part, the Century Singers went backstage to wait until the end of the concert when they joined the Women’s Chorus and Signing Cadets on stage to sing The Hallelujah Chorus as one enormous choir directed by David Kipp.

Century Sounds is an auditioned octet selected by Mr. Wade and made up of Century Singers members. They sang Noe Noe Psalite, Winter Bells and finished with an interesting arrangement of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

At the River21

American Landscapes

A merican Landscapes was a new concert for the Century Singers. After the success of Carmina Burana, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra invited the choir to sing with them without the Brazos Valley Choral. This was a new opportunity for the Century Singers. The music sung and played at the concert was written

by Aaron Copland and were various old American songs. Songs performed included funny songs like I Bought Me a Cat to more serious songs like Simple Gifts to lullabies

like The Little Horses. The concert, directed by Dr. Bussiki and held at Christ United Methodist Church, went over excellently. Chris Hoffman began the performance by walking down the isle singing the opening solo in The Boatman’s Dance. The choir finished the ten Aaron Copland pieces with an energetic Ching-A-Ring-Chaw.

I Bought Me A Cat

Long Time Ago

The Dodger

Simple Gifts

The Little Horses

Zion’s WallsThe Boatman’s Dance

The Golden Willow Tree

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Where in the world isFall Retreat

I’m Snickers

Carmen Sandiego?

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Aust

ralia

W hen the choir heard performance manager Gregg Kite sing the first ridiculously low “Carmen Sandi-ego” in president Kelley Baxter’s arrangement of

the theme song from Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, they knew this year’s fall retreat was going to be amazing.

Pollard representative Allison Harbin, fulfilled her fall officer duties by organizing the fall retreat and making the new Pollards feel welcome.

With the retreat theme as the old television show Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, each team was based on a country where Carmen had stolen something. The members participated in games based on the different countries and in the end, team France won the team challenges.

Held at Aerofit Health & Fitness Center, this retreat’s main game was to find the elusive Carmen Sandiego. Members had to find, complete a challenge for, and get a clue from each officer. Eventually, after the game was over members, both new and old, got to know each other over games of volleyball, basketball, and musical steps.

Brazi

l

Canad

a

Ethio

pia

Fran

ce

Singa

pore

Snow, Paper, a Ghost

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CAO Halloween Party

Jenna ChristopherBest Female Costume

Kelley BaxterBest Dancer

Century Singer Contest Winners

James NguyenFastest Marshmallow Eater

N ot since the 1990’s has there been a Choral Activities Office Halloween party, but it was brought

back this year on October 25, 2008. It was organized by secretary Jenna Christopher with the assistance of Singing Cadet Joe Trevino, and Women’s Chorus member Caitlin Riewie.

The ultimate goal of this All CAO Halloween party was to create bonds between the members of all three choirs before the first ever All CAO spring tour. With fun competitions such as limbo, marshmallows-on-a-string eating, costumes, and dancing as well as music and movies, the plan for bonding was a success.

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O ne of the most popular events that Century Singers hosts is Thanksgiving Potluck. Many members claim that

Potluck is their favorite event. Eating way up high in the press box of Kyle field is so special that everyone is in the best mood possible. Everyone brought a dish in traditional potluck style. Of course there was a turkey, but there were other non-traditional Thanksgiving foods like fried rice.

After eating it was time for group pictures. Every class year took a group picture and then there were men and women pictures. Mr. Wade made an appearance which made it that much better. Finally, the lights were turned off and the Century Singers sang The Spirit of Aggieland, Old Irish Blessing and The Aggie War Hymn while standing on tables and looking down on Kyle Field. All these reasons are why this is one of the most anticipated Century Singers events.

K-Y-L-E F-I-E-L-DThanksgiving Potluck

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A t the end of every semester, the Century

Singers have a progressive dinner where they go to three different member’s residences and have a different course of dinner. This year, appetizers were served at Kevin Tarlow and James Nguyen’s apartment, the main course was served at Kelley Baxter and Jenna Christopher’s house, and dessert was served at Mace Williamson’s house.

After everyone had eaten and was happily full, members who brought presents played an intense game of white elephant. Members unwrapped and stole gifts from each other in an attempt to get one they like. Some of the most coveted gifts were recurring gifts such as a toy police car and a rubber lobster.

Finally, second semester Pollards graduated and became Producers.

White elephant in the room Progressive Dinner

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Start of something newPollard - Producer Week

G etting involved with the choir outside of rehearsal is an important part of Century Singers, but it’s not always easy for new Pollards. The best way

to get involved and get to know other members is with the assistance of a Producer. At Pollard Producer Picnic, every new Pollard got paired with a Producer to help them integrate more easily into the choir.

The officers gave lots of thought to what the pairs would be. At the picnic the Pollard-Producer pairs had to play a game and match up well-known partners, like Dorthy and Toto, and this led them to find out who would be their new Pollard or Producer.

The following week is known as Pollard-Producer week. Pollards and Producers had several opportunities to get to know each other better. Members went to Freebirds with the choir one day, Producers paid for their Pollards meals another day, and then dressed up with their Pollard family for rehearsal on Thursday.

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Fall Thursday Night Fun Things

N

T

F T

At Disney TNFT, the members played Dis-ney trivia, watched Aladdin, and some members even came dressed up as Mickey Mouse.

Disney

Holiday Game NightThis TNFT was filled with holi-day themed food, games of Jenga and Apples to Apples, as well as watching the movie Elf.

Recess

At recess TNFT, Haley Knight welcomed everyone to her apart-ment for an evening of Kool-Aid, sidewalk chalk, jump rope, human knots, sand volleyball, and other schoolyard fun.

Chocolate

Held at Haley Mims’ house, Choc-

olate and television were the two

focuses at this TNFT. Members

ate way too much chocolate and

then sat down to watch choco-

late themed episodes

of I Love Lucy and

Friends.

CerealCereal was the required food at this TNFT held at Ronni Wolford’s apartment. After

everyone had a bowl, the fun soon progressed to a game

of charades that was boys against

girls.

Pancake Pajama PartyP3 was one of the first TNFTs of the year and everyone enjoyed their time eating pancakes and playing Taboo.

T

F

NT

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Spring Thursday Night Fun Things

Blue BakerAs members turned into Smurfs, they thought about getting free food. This was the point of Blue Baker TNFT. If a member painted themselves or colored their hair, the policy of Blue Baker is to give away free food such as pizzas or sandwiches.

Rudy’s Bar-B-QTraditionally, the first TNFT of the semester is held at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q. After ordering their favorite meat, everyone chows down while they talk to their friends.

Valentine’s Day

It is fun to pretend like you are back in elementary school. At Valentine’s Day TNFT, everyone created their own Valentine’s card container and everyone brought a card or candy for each person just like in lower school.

Easter Egg HuntSequel

This WNFT Easter Egg Hunt quickly turned into a Photo Hunt when teams found designated eggs holding a close up picture of an object in the CAO to replicate on their cameras all for the Grand Prize Easter Basket.

Game NightGame night TNFT was exactly what the name says. Members played games of all sorts from video to board games. And there was also a trampo-line to play on.

Because Cereal and Recess TNFTs were such a hit the previous semester, Sequel TNFT was organized for the final one of the year bringing the two together. Haley Knight and Kevin Tarlow attended their last TNFTs before they graduated.

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Spring RetreatSUrVIVor

Green TeamWinners of Survivor

Retreat Schedule

5:00 pmMeet in parking lot 62

5:15-6:00 pmLeave College Station and

caravan to Messiah’s Ranch

6:00-6:45 pmFormer members cook dinner

while current members tour the ranch and get settled in

for the night

7:00-8:00 pmEat fajitas for dinner

8:15-8:30 pmPollard skits

8:30-10:00 pmMusical chairs

10:15-10:45 pmLimbo

10:45-11:00 pmMembers separate into teams while officers set up or the big

game

11:00 pm-2:00 amBig Game: Survivor

Messiah’s Ranch

2:00-6:30 amFree time during which

members make s’mores and talk around the campfire

6:30-7:30 amPlate Signing and eat

Shipley’s donuts for breakfast

7:30 amClean up and leave to go home

and sleep through the day

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Stacy PrukopMusical Chairs Winner

I t is rare to see Century Singer members get competitive with one another. There are very few instances this happens when

a group has to come together to produce a great concert. But retreat is one of the times

that members show their competitive spirits, and in the case of spring retreat, win the game of Survivor.

After playing games of limbo and musical chairs, the main game began. Survivor: Messiah’s Ranch was

organized by Allison Harbin and had all the twists and turns of the television

series. Members were separated into four tribes (red, blue, yellow, and green) but after all the team switching that was planned for the game, it did not matter for long. Everyone gave all their effort to compete in challenges in the wilderness including solving riddles, passing water balloons and answering Century Singer trivia.

In the end, the competition brought members closer together.

Jenna ChristopherLimbo Winner

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Choral Activities Office Tour

President’s Grand Choral Concert U

sually the only time Century Singers, Singing Cadets, and Women’s Chorus get on buses together is during the annual trip to Salado for the holidays. This year however,

the choirs did not have time to visit Salado. Instead, it was decided that all three choirs would take a spring tour of Texas.

The President’s Grand Choral Concert was organized by the CAO and endorsed by Texas A&M President Elsa Murano. The choirs traveled to Austin to perform at the Long Center and at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston. Each choir sang their signature song and then performed individually. Finally, at the end of the concert, the choirs combined to sing Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful.

After the Long Center performance, all choir members spent the night in Austin with family members, former choir members and Aggie Mom’s Club volunteers. The next day there were stories about experiences in the host homes, most were good and some were pretty funny stories.

The group took the long trip from Austin to Houston sleeping, watching movies and bonding on the bus. When they got to Houston the were informed that former president, George H.W. Bush and Barbara would be attending the concert.

Everyone did their very best to impress Bush and finished the concert with stories about winks and handshakes. Then they loaded onto the bus and headed back to College Station.

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Showcase Act OneA of Color

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Showcase Act Two

P erforming is what Century Singers live for. Some like to perform in groups and others prefer solos. With the theme of “A Splash of Color,” Showcase was an opportunity for members to show off their talent for

family and friends.Months of preparation and rehearsal led to acts of many different kinds.

While all acts involved singing, some incorporated some acting and drama as well. A group singing Bridge Over Troubled Water opened the show. Jenna Christopher and Kevin Tarlow were a hit with their performance of If. Patrick Reichert played the piano for Leslie Anne Frazier who emotionally sang On My Own from Les Mis.

The second act had Jennifer Palmer singing Gravity and Michelle Bossert singing Fly Me to the Moon. Alex and Andrew Shaaf emceed the event and at the end the entire choir sang a few songs.

Organizing such an event took time and effort, especially behind the scenes. The tech committee made sure that lighting and order of the show were perfect. The design committee picked the theme and decorated. The programs and publicity committees did their parts as well. In the end, everything came together and the audience enjoyed a great show while eating cheesecake.

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FundraisersFUN-rai$er$E

very event Century Singer has takes money, and the choir could not function without it. Treasurer Courtney Crosby tried her best

to provide as many fundraisers for the choir to fund everything. Every member must participate is some fundraisers. Working football and basketball concessions is always an easy way to get a fundraiser credit. The choir also sells Dublin Dr. Pepper in the fall and the spring and poinsettias near Christmas time. Fuddruckers Hamburgers provides a different type of fundraiser by giving the choir money for bringing in new customers on a select night. This year Courtney started some new fundraisers as well as continuing with old ones. A new fundraiser was See’s Candy, sold near Easter time.