The Penn Pipers was founded in 1950, making it by far the oldest existing a cappella group at the University of Pennsylvania. Its founding student leaders created unique arrangements emulating the close, contemporary harmonies of a popular, jazz-oriented quartet called The Hi-Los. The Pipers' most popular tune of the time—a lush setting of Brahm's Lullaby arranged by member Bill Tost -- became its standard closing number for many years. The group has always been a subset of the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club and serves as an opportunity for some of the Glee Club's singers to perform music of a lighter and more popular style.
The group's repertoire has evolved over time, from its roots in barbershop-quartet-style singing, vocal jazz and doo-wop, to its current style, which encompasses popular music from the 1890s through to the present day.
Read more about this topic: University Of Pennsylvania Glee Club
Famous quotes containing the words penn and/or pipers:
“They have a right to censure that have a heart to help: the rest is cruelty, not justice.”
—William Penn (1644–1718)
“The tenth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
Ten pipers piping,”
—Unknown. The Twelve Days of Christmas (l. 64–66)