The University Glee Club of New York City was formed in 1886 and formally organized in 1894 “to encourage male voice singing of the highest excellence for university and college graduates and former students residing in or near New York City,” according to the Club’s constitution. Founded on the love of singing, its roster over the years has included thousands of men from hundreds of universities and colleges, all possessing the desire to sing, learned or fostered during their undergraduate years.
Members’ concerts are given in the spring and winter of each year by active members for retired active members, associate members, and guests, and the Club’s repertoire covers a wide range of music including classical works, Broadway musicals, sea chanteys, spirituals and traditional college songs. The Club rehearses weekly during the fall and spring on Thursday evenings in the Grand Lodge Room at Masonic Hall NYC on West 23rd Street. Associate members are welcome at rehearsals and the weekly post-rehearsal “afterglows,” the annual “Summerfest” party in September, and other Club activities.
Mission
The mission of the University Glee Club of New York City is to encourage male choral singing of the highest excellence, to perform concerts with style and grace, and to promote fellowship among a diverse community of members.
Vision
Our vision is to enrich the lives and raise the spirits of our members, friends, and audiences. We strive to build lasting bonds and a sense of belonging among all members of the UGC family. We nurture a culture of respect and inclusion, while aspiring to create extraordinary musical experiences that celebrate our rich traditions and diverse talent.
Values
The University Glee Club has three core values; Artistry, Fellowship, and Tradition.
Fellowship is at the core of the University Glee Club. More than the music we create, it is the camaraderie and life-long friendships that bind us. We enjoy food and drink together, we share laughs and stories, we help fellow members in need, our families grow close, we sing at each other’s weddings, anniversaries and funerals. We cultivate a community of respect, support, and celebration for the many talents and virtues our fellow members bring to our Club.
Fellowship
Artistry
Artistry is the pride and joy of the University Glee Club. Performing male choral music of the highest excellence brings us together every week, year after year, and is the core purpose of the UGC. We sing on the grand stages of Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, in clubhouses and places of worship, and in our own backyards. We perform a diverse repertoire embracing a variety of rhythms, tonalities, and languages. Our music ranges from classical choral arrangements to barbershop quartets, from requiems to sea chanties, and from showtunes to spirituals. We nurture the artistry of each fellow member and strive for beauty and excellence in all our musical endeavors.
Tradition
Traditions, both old and new, are the fabric of the University Glee Club. The tradition of “the hand that shook the hand” connects us all back to our founding members of 1894. Whether it be performing in white tie and tails, commissioning new works, traveling together near and far, competing for the coveted Hambone Cup, or the singing of college songs, our traditions are foundational. We cherish and pass down the musical, social, and organizational traditions of the UGC, while continuing to evolve, refresh, and add to the Club’s legacy.
Interested in Joining the UGC?
The 300+ Members of the University Glee Club make up a diverse community, consisting of Active (Singing), Retired Active, and Associate Members. We would love to have you!
