Apr 9th
The BGSU Men's Chorus, recognized on campus as "America's Finest Singing Machine," consists of over 100 gentlemen brought together over a love of music and performance. The group ventures out twice annually on tour, performing for audiences across the United States and Canada. The rest of the year is spent close to home, rehearsing as well as performing for the Bowling Green campus and community.
History
The chorus began as a touring men's glee club in 1923, more than a decade before Bowling Green State Normal College was granted full university status. As the country entered World War II, the chorus took a hiatus while the BG men went off to war. After the war concluded the chorus reformed under the direction of James Paul Kennedy, who directed the group until it disbanded in 1953.
The chorus regrouped in 1971 under the direction of Professor Richard D. Mathey. The modest glee club steadily expanded over the years, eventually exceeding 100 members and touring all across country. After twenty-eight years at the helm of the chorus, Professor Mathey passed the baton to Dr. William Skoog, who directed the chorus until his resignation in 2009. The chorus is currently under the direction of Professor Timothy Cloeter.
Small Ensembles
The BGSU Men's chorus has given rise to several small group ensembles over the years, encompassing a range of styles including barbershop and a cappella music. These small ensembles often travel to neighboring schools and cities for concerts, competitions, and festivals.
The HeeBeeBGs, a relatively young ensemble within the chorus, has gained quite a fan following since its formation in 2007. The group performs a cappella renditions of popular songs from artists including Jason Mraz, Garth Brooks, and Michael Jackson.
Membership in the chorus and the small ensembles is open to men of all majors across campus. Acceptance into the chorus is audition-based, with tryouts generally taking place in August
