1966 to 1974 Glee Club Return to Colorado Academy

By David G. Woods CA Glee Club Director 1966-1974

On a rainy, magical day, 35 former Glee Club members met for lunch, a tour of campus, and then a two-hour “SING” in the Schotters Music Center on the CA campus. May 19, 2023, was a special reunion celebration of the 1973 Glee Club Tour to England.

Exactly 50 years ago, the Colorado Academy Glee Club boarded a World Airways 747 to fly to London and begin a concert tour that included performances in the beautiful chapels of Hurstpierpoint School and Lancing College. Afternoon teas, high teas, cricket games, and the exchange of ideas between the British and American students made the visits to these schools memorable. Riding on buses from the seaside town of Brighton, through Arundel, Stonehenge, and through the plains around Salisbury, we made our way to Sherborne. We stayed with families in Sherborne and sang in the Sherborne School Hall to an audience of over 600 on a rainy English night. We then performed at Dauntsey’s School in West Lavington. We sang for the students of the Millfield School in the beautiful Strode Theatre in Street. Next, we traveled to Cheltenham, where we sang our final concerts at St. Mary’s College for Women and the Dean Close School. We then drove to the American Embassy in London, where we divided into small travel groups for the final two weeks in Europe.

Fifty years later, on the Colorado Academy campus, we sang from the repertoire once again, including “Turn Back O Man” and “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place.” Three members of the original six from the 1966 Glee Club were in attendance and also sang with the group, along with Glee Club members from the Classes of 1967-1976! The “SING” was dedicated to Betsy King, who passed away on January 11, 2023. Both of her sons, Matt ’74 and Peter ’75, were members of the Glee Club and returned for the reunion. Philip Levy ’68 from the 1966 Glee Club played music from his composition, “Circus of the Soul,” and Bruce Bistline ’69 sang “The Jabberwocky” with gusto, as Philip played the piano.

We sang Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” (in German), as well as the seven-part round from the 16th century, “Laudate Nomen.” Dr. Kevin Padworski, Director of Choral Music at Colorado Academy, accompanied the group and spoke to the returning Glee Club members. Susan Boxer ’74 and Sarah Boxer ’76 returned for the reunion. Susan was an accompanist for the Glee Club in the 1970s. Glee Club members came from Colorado, Honolulu, Washington, D.C., Memphis, Roanoke, Chicago, Reno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland.

At the age of 80, I was personally touched by the enthusiasm of the Glee Club students, the joy of music that remained with each of them, and the heartwarming stories that they each shared regarding their musical experiences 50 years ago. The legacy of Colorado Academy music lives in each of the returning students.

I extend my deep gratitude to Sue Burleigh, who made this reunion happen; to Edith Blakeslee ’73, who encouraged this gathering; and to Dr. Padworski for giving his time and his incredible talent to us on the afternoon of May 19, 2023. Appreciation also goes to the Class of 1973 for sharing their 50th Reunion with us.

To all the students who sang with me in the Colorado Academy Glee Club, I thank you so much for your talent, your dedication, and your love of singing. Thomas Jefferson said, “Music is the favorite passion of my soul.” May it always be with each of you. n

See all photos at coloradoacademy.org/ alumni/ca-alumni-association.