ACU101
THE S
SINGING COLLEGE
inging has long been part of ACU’s collective DNA, thanks in large part to the a cappella worship tradition of its heritage in Churches of Christ. A cappella music is without instrumental accompaniment, the words borrowing from an 18th-century Italian phrase meaning “in chapel or choir style.” Wildcats have a deep appreciation for the cohesive sound of four-part harmony, particularly when used in hymns and spiritual songs, and other music of deep importance. ACU became known as “The Singing College” in the 1950s, thanks to its football team (see bel0w) and A Cappella Chorus. We may take that name for granted in the 21st century, but it’s still true: No university sings like ACU, something visitors learn when they attend any number of public events, or alumni experience when they return home to harmonize together once more.
competition, its popularity is stronger than ever and a Saturday night finale ticket still a hot commodity. Freshman Follies in Cullen Auditorium is still a first-year student’s introduction to competitive singing and creative staging. The annual Ethnos Culture Show, also in Cullen, allows international students to display their unique talents.
We sing pretty much everywhere, if you look closely enough. Some of the bigger stages: Chapel, whether in Moody Coliseum or in any number of small-group gatherings, is a prime venue for singing, often led by praise teams of students, faculty or staff.
Voices shine at devotionals, especially the candlelight versions during Wildcat Week for freshmen, in May for graduating seniors and at Homecoming for alumni, family and friends.
The coliseum during annual Sing Song performances each February features the a cappella singing of social clubs and classes. Established 60 years ago as a giant singing
Opening Assembly, the first all-school gathering of each academic year in Moody, has a tradition-heavy singing component. PAUL WHITE
Sing Song
Homecoming Musicals in the Abilene Civic Center each October allow the theatre and music departments a stage to demonstrate their world-class skills in a Broadway-quality production in which dynamic singing takes centerstage.
The Singing Christians Members of the undefeated 1950 ACU football team earned this nickname because of their propensity to belt out heavenly tunes between the Xs and Os. Their favorite was the rousing hymn, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, which the Wildcats performed live on a radio show in Evansville, Ind., before defeating Gustavus Adolphus College in the annual Refrigerator Bowl, capping a perfect 10-0 season. 40
Winter-Spring 2017
ACU TODAY
Garvin Beauchamp was the head football coach of the 1950 undefeated team.