Texas A&M University Singing Cadets - Revival - College Station Aggies

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Texas A&M University
Singing Cadets

Revival

Robert L. Boone, Director

ACA Recording Studios, Houston, Texas, ACA-6894

Condition of jacket:  Excellent, still in original shrink wrap that has been slit open along the edge.

Condition of record:  Excellent, very glossy, appears almost like new with some very light scuffing.

Side One:
1. Revival Medley
2. I See the Light
3. Amen, So Be It
4. All God's Children
5. My Lord's in the Mountain
6. So Lord
7. Jericho
 
Side Two:
1. O Come Let Us Sing Unto the Lord
2. Rise Up
3. Onward Christian Soldiers
4. Psalm 150
5. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
6. The Lord's Prayer
7. Amazing Grace

From the back of the jacket:

About The Group ?
Singing has been a student activity at Texas A&M almost since it's beginning in 1876. Of course, the early years were limited to informal and extemporaneous performances around the campus. Some organized groups participated in the regularly scheduled Chapel Services thereby beginning the attitude of service to the school, an attitude still prevalent today.

The all-male glee club first gained national attention in 1939 during a radio-broadcast performance at the Sugar Bowl. Under the founding director, J.J. Woolket, Singing Cadet tours became a regular feature from 1939-1942.

The group maintains an average membership of sixty. The men come from all the various programs of instruction offered by the University and from hometowns spread throughout Texas, the United States and the world. Many hours for rehearsal and performance are given simply because of each member's love of singing, for the University and for each other as Aggies. They receive no academic credit for their participation.

The Singing Cadets average forty to fifty appearances each year. They have performed both nationally and inter-nationally, but the largest concentration of appearances has been within the boundries of the State of Texas.

About The Music ?
Through the years the Texas A&M University Singing Cadets have participated in numerous worship services throughout the states of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and including the White House in Washington, D.C. These services have included most of the various Christian denominations as well as the Jewish faith.

When the Singing Cadets have had the opportunity to participate in a worship service, they have presented what they call, "A Sermon In Song." Director Boons describes the "sermon" in this way; "Western man worships God in many different musical forms. We try to include a broad variety of these vocal forms in our "Sermon In Song." It was with this in mind when the music for this album was selected from a variety of "live" performances presented over a number of years."

Side one includes some of the more rhythmic and contemporary styies heard in many of today's worship services.

The first selection, the title song for the album, is a medley of five well-known spirituals arranged by Richard Derwingson in an up-beat, contemporary style. The addition of a rhythm section to all of the selections on this side of the album, typical of a "Cadet-Sermon," helps to emphasize the happy, bouncy character of the selections presented.

The second selection, "See The Light," features a solo by Dwain Handley. This gospel-styled song was written by Joyce Eilers.

Band three features a simple two-part vocal arrangement with rhythm added. "Amen, So Be It" was written and arranged by Natalie Sleeth.

Two soloists, baritone Ernie Knowles and tenor Alan Wiggins, are featured on Band four. Based on the old spiritual "I Got Shoes," this arrangement called "All God's Chillun," was arranged by Joseph A. Stewart.

Two other soloists assist the Singing Cadets when they sing "My Lord's In The Mountain" on Band five. Mark Swaim and Mark Bentley are featured in this composition written by Nancy M. Roberts.

Band six presents a song credited with five different arrangers. You will probably recognize some of the names; Connie Haines, Beryl Davis, Rhonda Fleming, Jane Russell and Lyn Murray. This old standard, "Do Lord," features Hank Roraback on the solo with choral support from the group.

"Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho,''another contemporarized spiritual, ends side one of the album. Arranged by Mark Hayes, this selection comes from a series of arrangements for "Swing Choirs and Vocal Jazz Ensembles." There's even a brief segment of scat included.

Side two of "REVIVAL" includes some more traditionally styled anthems including three which are done a'cappella.

The first, a stirring composition entitled, "O, Come Let Us Sing Unto The Lord," is based on Psalms 95 and 96. An energetic piano or organ accompaniment is a basic part of this anthem written by Emma Lou Diemer.

Noted composer and arranger Buryl Red contributed the selection on Band two. His solid arrangement of "Rise Up, O Men of God," is a particularly appropriate song for the Singing Cadets.

The old Christian marching song, "Onward Christian Soldiers" fills Band three. This version of the hymn, found in practically every hymnal printed in North America, was arranged for male chorus by Harry Simeone.

Band four presents another traditional a'cappella anthem entitled "Psalm 150." Kent A. Newbury is the composer and Richard Schilling did the arrangement.
Still another old popular hymn tune is the presentation on Band five. "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" brings back the rhythm section. This arrangement by Ed Lojeski, was adapted by Leo Kellis.

An arrangement based on Mallotte's, "The Lord's Prayer" fills Band six. Jim Clancy, noted arranger and conductor for Barbershop Choruses, from Dallas, Texas, provided this warm and meaningful interpretation.

"Amazing Grace" finishes the album on Band seven of side two. A selection from "a Contemporary Sacred Choral Series," this version of the old American melody, with words by John Newton, was arranged by Ed Lojeski.