Celebration in song

During Homecoming Weekend a Choir Reunion celebrated the College's long tradition of musical excellence. The reunion united former members of the College Choir, Chapel Choir, and other choral ensembles, bringing together more than 220 alumni - including Helen (Saby) Hargleroad from the Class of '43 - who performed with current choir members.

The year 2010 marked the 75th anniversary of the Gettysburg College Choir, founded by Dr. Parker Wagnild, fondly known as "Wags." Known for his exacting techniques and high standards, Wagnild directed the College Choir from 1935 to 1976. In honor of the anniversary, Wagnild's daughter, Signe (Wagnild) Shagena '59, and family donated a life-sized bronze sculpture by Delaware artist Brad Vanneman to the College. The statue was unveiled outside Schmucker Hall during the reunion.

Speaking at the dedication, Prof. Kay Hoke, director of the Sunderman Conservatory, said, "We cherish the vision that Dr. Wagnild shared - that on a campus such as ours we can create a community of musicians, both majors and non-majors, who are creative, involved, intelligent, collaborative, and accomplished."

Choir tours are fondly remembered as a pivotal part of the Gettysburg Choir experience, and a volunteer group helped established the Parker B. and Helen D. Wagnild Choir Tour Endowment to ensure that tours continue. Contributions from members of the Choir Reunion Committee, with support from the J. William Warehime Foundation (Class of '50), Joyce (Hamm) '58 and Bert Elsner P '82, '85,'95, the Estate of Fred Gross '58, and others raised more than $400,000 toward a goal of $500,000 for the endowment.

Pictures and highlights from the College Choir reunion and Homecoming Weekend can be seen at www.gettysburg.edu/choir_reunion.

-Devan Grote '11