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:
“the pomp
Of pain swells like the Indies, or a plum”
—Robert Penn Warren (1905–1989)
“The tenth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
Ten pipers piping,”
—Unknown. The Twelve Days of Christmas (l. 64–66)