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R.P.I. Glee Club records

 Collection — Container: 4 boxes
Identifier: AC 27

Scope and Contents

Glee Club records (AC 27) include correspondence, programs, reports, photographs, sheet music, audio recordings, and related materials documenting the organization’s long history at Rensselaer. The recordings capture Glee Club performances, often with music organizations from Rensselaer and/or other colleges. These are stored in a variety of formats, such as LP phonograph albums (1949-1968), audio tapes (1954-1992, mostly cassettes), and compact disks (digital re-recordings of LP albums, 1998-2005). Includes multiple versions titled Songs of Rensslear. Click here for a link to the digitized songs.

Dates

  • 1886-1983

Biographical or Historical Information

Rensselaer’s Glee Club was one of the longest-lived student organizations on campus. Preceded by class glee clubs, an Institute-wide organization was established in 1874. The all-male singing group continued until it disbanded around 1983. The club enjoyed particular success during the mid-20th century, especially under the direction of Professor Joel Dolven. From the late 1940s until his retirement in 1970, the group performed widely, both on campus and off, often with the RPI orchestra and/or musicians from other colleges. The Glee Club also performed on radio broadcasts and in competitions, taking first place at both a Welsh eisteddfod (Utica, 1949) and the Harvest Song Festival (Carnegie Hall, 1950). The club’s annual Campus Carols performances were popular among both students and local townspeople, drawing large crowds to the festively decorated Houston Field House. The group also produced several LP albums, which were digitized by alumnus Charles Kelly in 2005.

Note written by

Extent

2.30 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection consists of correspondence, programs, reports, photographs, sheet music, audio recordings, and related materials documenting the organization’s long history at Rensselaer.

Arrangement Note

The Glee Club records are organized into three series: I. General records, II. Photographs and oversized materials, and III. Sound recordings.

Author
T.A. Gobert
Date
05/22/0010
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Institute Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
110 8th Street
Institute Archives and Special Collections
Rensselaer Libraries, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy NY 12180-3590 US
518 276 8340