About the United States Military Academy Cadet Glee Club

Constance Chase, Director

The Cadet Glee Club has its roots firmly embedded in the time-honored traditions of the United States Corps of Cadets. Secular singing in one form or another has been in evidence at West Point since the Academy’s founding in 1802. Many warm, boisterous songfests were held at Benny Haven’s Tavern, a popular – though off-limits – gathering spot of cadets in the early 1800s. First organized in 1903 the Cadet Glee Club is now a sixty-five - voice mixed chorus whose members serve as musical ambassadors for West Point and rank among our nation’s most prestigious college choirs.

Under the direction of Constance Chase, the Glee Club has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Tanglewood and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, completed concert tours of the East and West Coasts, performed at Ground Zero on the first anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy, appeared with the Boston Pops, the U.S. Army Band, and the Syracuse and Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestras, given scores of concerts annually throughout the United States and produced three new recordings: the DVD/CD Stand Ye Steady (2005) with guest artist Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga; the CD Voice of the Corps (2003), the choir’s first full-length release since 1966; and the original hymn Mansions of the Lord for the closing credits of the Paramount feature film We Were Soldiers (2002).

 

 

These recordings took place in the renowned Cadet Chapel at West Point. The Glee Club’s most recent recording activity took place in October 2007, when the group recorded for country artist Trace Adkins’ forthcoming CD slated for a June 2008 release. The Glee Club is in frequent demand for nationally televised appearances by invitation of the BCS National Championship, the Fiesta Bowl, the Breeders Cup, Yankee Stadium, Super Bowl XXXIX, Madison Square Garden, and Lifetime Network. Historically, the group has shared the spotlight with such notable entertainers as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore and Roberta Peters, and has been privileged to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, the ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade, the CBS Easter Parade, and several presidential inaugurations. Especially memorable performances include singing for the homecoming of the hostages from Iran, a visit to the United States by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and the grand opening of EPCOT Center in 1982. The Glee Club has performed abroad in Canada, France, and Ireland.

Upon graduation from the Academy, cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and begin their service to the nation as officers in the United States Army. Despite its rapid pace and demanding concert schedule, the best description of the Cadet Glee Club is readily obtained from its time-honored motto:

No fun without music, no music without fun!


The Glee Club welcomes some 25-30 new members each year. Membership is by invitation following audition with the Glee Club director and interview with the club's cadet leadership. The Glee Club seeks musicians with fine voices, strong reading skills, and excellent tonal memory. Auditions occur in the fall. Dates and times are announced throughout the Corps during Re-Organization Week.

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The Glee Club presents up to fifty performances annually throughout the United States and abroad. It currently books performances two to four years in advance. For further information please contact:

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