Since its inception as a male chorus in 1944, the
Bayside Glee Club has been making a
unique contribution to
Bayside and the larger community. Each year the club presents two formal
concerts and  from time to time performs for the benefit of area churches,
nursing homes, hospitals, and various organizations.
Although the club is centered in the
Flushing/Bayside area, singers and audiences come from all parts of Queens, Long
Island, and the Metropolitan area.
With over 1,200 selections in its growing
library, the club (currently with more than two dozen singing members) works hard to bring its audiences fresh, challenging, and
varied programs.
68th Annual Winter Concert Highlights
Sunday,
December 11
Church on the Hill, 168th Street and
35th Avenue, Flushing, Queens
This year’s annual
winter concert not only celebrated the joy of the
holidays but drew on Broadway musicals and bluesy romantic
moods, and even reflected a touch of patriotism. From The
Music Man the club sang the rousing “76 Trombones”
and, from the more recent but equally classic Les
Miserables, “Bring Him Home” – not to mention a jazzy
medley of Al Jolson favorites.
In a more bluesy
vein there was Duke Ellington and Barney Bigard’s
immortal and muted “Mood Indigo” (based on a theme by Bigard
and originally called “Dreamy Blues”). Also in the program
was Alex North’s 1955 song of amorous longing “Unchained
Melody” (composed for the prison movie Unchained),
the lyrics being by Hy Zaret.
In addition, the men of Bayside performed “Gaudeamus (Igitur),” a paean to “seizing the
day” or enjoying life (and drinking beer) now, when one is
young, before old age and death intervene. The carpe diem
tune is long associated with universities and colleges,
fraternities, and graduation ceremonies around the world.
Brahms included the melody in his Academic Festival
Overture, and Sigmund Romberg made it part of his
operetta The Student Prince – if you saw the film
version of the operetta you will remember its being sung by
Mario Lanza.
Complementing the
Latin of “Gaudeamus,” BGC ventured the lovely,
life-affirming and ever optimistic Hebrew song “Bashana Haba’ah.” Expressing love of God and country
was “Give Me
Your Tired, Your Poor.” And, not to forget that this is a
holiday concert – ‘tis the season to be jolly – the club
sang “Fanfare for Christmas.”
2010-2011 Benefit Performances
2011
May 6, 2011, SNAP Senior Center, Queens
Village
September 23, 2011, Knights of
Columbus (St. Ambrose Council), College Point (postponed,
TBA)
October 14, 2011, CECR Rehab Center at
North Shore Hospital, Manhasset
October 15, 2011, Our Lady of Lourdes
Stewart Hall, Queens Village
December 2, 2011, SNAP Senior Center,
Queens Village
December 4, 2011, Ozanam Hall Nursing
Home, Bayside
2010
March 9, 2010, the AARP
Flushing chapter at Church on the Hill
March 18, 2010, (in celebration of St.
Patrick’s Day)Bayside Historical Society
in Fort Totten
May 2, 2010, the long-term care and rehabilitation
center of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset
May 9, 2010, encore
performance for the Bayside Historical Society at Fort Totten
December 3, 2010, (a preview of BGC's winter holiday concert)
the SNAP Senior Center in Queens Village |
|
The club's roster of almost
30
active members, together with its associate (nonsinging) members, includes men of all ages and reflects
the wonderful ethnic diversity of our community.
We extend a sincere and cordial
welcome to any man over 18 who would like to sing and enjoy an evening of fun
and fellowship once a week. No previous experience is required and ability to
read music is not necessary. Continuing education is a priority and in the
interest of ever improving our performances, we provide choral and musical
training. Transportation to rehearsals may be available if needed. The club
publishes a quarterly newsletter to keep members updated about activities and
goings on.
Yearly dues are $50, payable
$25 each winter and spring.
Social activities
The club holds occasional gatherings throughout the year,
including an Associates Night, usually in the spring, and an annual picnic
during the summer. Members, family, friends, associates, and prospective members
are welcome. After each concert there is a reception at which refreshments are
served; there is also a raffle drawing. |
