St Francis College - Franciscan Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

Page 32 text:

Left Row: D. Rogan, H. Binger, N. Leo, R. Cefalv, C. Isola, J. Cunnon, C. Vadala, N. DeSetto. Right Row: F. deJesus, J. Christina, B. Eschenauser, J. McCreeuey, C. Parente, S. Stern, B. Gauger, M. Kozotowski, N. Wagner! (} ( ' ? (dJjuk The Glee Club is one of St. Francis College’s oldest and most respected organizations. This is a known fact and one that cannot be disputed, although, at times, there are those do nothings,’ whose highly critical voices can be heard emanating from the depths of a dusty locker room or from the heights of a spotless penthouse. Successful is probably the best way to describe the organ¬ ization. This is due mostly to the continuous untiring efforts of Professor Nicholas A. Fiorenza, known better to the mem¬ bers as Nick. He is one of the few, who once having attained success and stature does not flaunt it in front of the student’s face from a precisely measured tower of faculty-student protocol. It is Nick who plays the piano and at whom every¬ one is cursing when he plays the same song to be practiced for the eighth time in a row. But, it is also Nick who puts the songs together and who, in reality, creates the applause. He works for the guys and they work for him. It’s a very simple formula, yet one that’s quite effective. All members rehearse about two and a half hours a week. One hour is spent in their individual rehearsal, either Bari¬ tone, Bass, 1st or 2nd Tenor, and the other time is put toward the general rehearsal every Monday night. There’s hard work of vocalizing, repeating the same song over and over, waiting, seemingly forever, till one section can get their part of the song, and sometimes just doing a song that you don’t like singing. There’s plenty of fun too, like practical jokes and trying to make one section laugh especially when they’re in the middle of some high note. Then it’s time to go home, but perhaps a short stop for a Coke in O’Keef’s. Aside from the actual music, there are a mass of business details to be attended to by the very capable officers. There’s wardrobe, renting of the acoustical shells (although they plan to buy them this year if all works out), transportation, concert dates, songs, advertising, and getting the tickets printed. The day before the Christmas vacation, they had their annual Christmas concert in the Grand Ball Room of the Hotel St. George. They sang religious, light contemporary, and Christmas carols. Santa Claus made his entrance, and the Glee Club had all it could do to restrain itself, especially when the rest of the student body and most of the faculty got to tell him what they wanted for Chri stmas. But, that’s show biz as they say. Actually it all worked out, for they got to see him later in one of the department stores. 28

Page 31 text:

ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE PRESENTED TO HIS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITY AND LOYAL DEVOTION TO ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE LIFE. Chairman of btudent Activities -1S(o5- Every student at St. Francis College is expected to acquire and exhibit Franciscan Spirit. It is as much a part of his education as the technical training he receives in his particular field of concentration . But spirit is by definition an amorphous and intangible element. While admittedly difficult to isolate, Franciscan Spirit is readily discernible in action: it is observable in its application if not in its essence. By their attitude, behavior and accomplishments, by their leadership, cooperation and industry, these seven men have proved that they possess the extra measure of devotion that qualifies a student for this award. Some of the Award winners include Ed Jaworski, Daniel Clancy, Gene Swanzy, Paul De Benedictis, Paul Ferlazzo, Walter Godzich, Phil Titlo, Mike Currano, Jack Crispi, Arthur Schwerdt, Tom Cuite, John Pereira, John Lawless and Al Martorano. 27

Page 33 text:

The highlight of the season was the concert with Georgian Court. The long planning was well worth it for it allowed both groups to enjoy the day without being plagued by last minute details. Early on the twelfth of March, they set up the shells and lights as well as getting the lounge cleaned and dec¬ orated. At about noon, the buses ar¬ rived with the girls, all carrying suit¬ cases and makeup bags. Once they warmed up from the cold March day, they were shown to where they could change. Later, they had coffee and cake and then went into their individual rehearsals. After another break for coffee, they had their general rehear¬ sal. This completed, they went up to the seventh floor for a complete dinner, which was being served by the caterers. It was an atmosphere of combined nervous apprehension before a per¬ formance and a one of friendship. This was their first chance to rest since the early morning. After dinner, the con¬ cert was given to a packed house. Cheers of “Bravo” could be heard, al¬ though Jack McGreevey said it sounded more like, “Let’s go!” When the per¬ formance was ended, the chairs were pushed back and Glee Club A Go Go began. This was a dance for the com¬ bined clubs and for the audience. The evening broke up early the next morn¬ ing. It was a great success. There were other concerts, includ¬ ing the one in the Spring to commem¬ orate the Centennial Anniversary of Prospect Park. This was a particularly high honor since the invitation came from the Honorable Abe Stark, Bor¬ ough President of Brooklyn. Jack McGreevey, this year’s Presi¬ dent, said that this was the most suc¬ cessful year thus far. He continued to say that the Glee Club is more like the voice of the college speaking to the surrounding community. No amount of advertising or publicity can do the good that the Glee Club can through its personal contact with the public. It is here that others become aware of St. Francis and of what the men of St. Francis are like. We make friends. At the end of the year, there is a party at the Sky Room of the Hotel St. George for all the members. There’s a hot buffet and all one can drink. It is here that those who are soon to leave feel both happy and sad. They will never sing again with the S.F.C. once they leave. Professor Nicholas A. Fiorenza R. Tarpey, P. Le Gullio, J. Hill, L. Ryan. 29