4/17/02

Janet L. McCoy, 334/844-9999

AU SINGERS MARK 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH REUNION, PERFORMANCE

AUBURN -- The Auburn University Singers will celebrate their 30th anniversary reunion April 19-21 on the AU campus culminating with a concert on Sunday, April 21.

The concert will be at 2 p.m. in the Student Activities Center.

Members will perform some of the songs and dances they did as students. Following the reunion performance, current members of the AU Singers will perform a short concert.

Since its formation in 1972, the singers have conducted eight international tours, 12 national tours and have performed with such noted personalities as Bob Hope, Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys.

This yearıs reunion will bring together more than 200 of the group's 500-member alumni, said Tom Smith, director of choral activities at AU and professor and chair of AU's Department of Music.

"This is a wonderful time for everyone," said Smith, who became director of choral activities at AU in 1972 when the singers were created. "It's very special because you pick up with the people where you left off. It's like they've never been gone.

"The neat thing to see is all the wonderful careers the students have, whether in music or not, and how many people their lives have impacted."

One alumnus, Ken Thomas of Auburn, says the group is close knit because of the bond they made as singers while students.

"It's reliving college days and having a great time," said Thomas.

On Friday, April 19, the group will gather at the Foy Student Union on campus for fellowship and reminiscing, followed by a time of music and dance with the Auburn Knights Orchestra.

On Saturday, April 20, the group will divide into the original groups for rehearsals in preparation for a concert. There will be a banquet Saturday evening.

"The music and dance moves come back to you once you start doing them," said Thomas, director of choral music at Auburn High School. "It's just a great weekend."

Admission will be $8 and will help defray costs of the singer's upcoming summer tour. Tickets can be reserved by calling 334/844-4194, can be picked up in 113 Goodwin Hall, or obtained at the door the day of the concert.

apr02: AU-singers

CONTACT: Smith, 334/844-4164; Thomas, 334/887-2124.