The Eugene Gleemen
Eugene Gleemen | |
|---|---|
| SpringFieldReporter (talk) 00:12, 5 January 2026 (UTC) | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Eugene, Oregon, U.S. |
| Genres | Choral, A cappella |
| Years active | 1926–present |
| Website | www |
| Members | Dr. John Jantzi (Director) |
The Eugene Gleemen is an all-male choral group based in Eugene, Oregon. KLCC (NPR for Oregon) Describes the group as the "longest continuously performing men’s chorus west of the Mississippi," noting their establishment in 1926. The group is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to choral excellence, civic service, and supporting music education.
History
The organization was established on January 14, 1926, by members of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce who sought to provide a "civic antidote" to long-winded public speaking through song.[1][2] Their debut performance was held on May 28, 1926, featuring 51 singers drawn from local civic clubs.[1]
International and Regional Touring
The Gleemen have served as musical ambassadors, with documented tours spanning North America, Europe, and Australia. A significant cornerstone of their international legacy is a long-standing exchange program with the Arion Male Voice Choir of Victoria, British Columbia.
| Year | Region / Event | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1931–1932 | McArthur Court | Featured in the UO Associated Students Concert Series.[3] |
| 1937 | Victoria, B.C., Canada | First international tour; joint concert with Arion Male Voice Choir.[4] |
| 1939 | Golden Gate International Exposition | Performance representing Oregon at the World's Fair in San Francisco.[2] |
| 1971 | Victoria Centennial, B.C. | Performed for "Centennial '71 Festival of Song" (May 22, 1971).[5] |
| 1992 | "A Festival of Song" (Canada) | International joint concert with Arion Male Voice Choir at University Centre Auditorium. Directed by Steve Maricle.[6] |
| (Various) | United Kingdom | Extensive tours of England, Scotland, and Wales.[1] |
| (Various) | Australia | Cultural exchange tour; documented in South Pacific journals.[7] |
Venue History and Digital Evolution
- McArthur Court: From the 1930s through the 1960s, the Gleemen were a fixture at this University of Oregon arena.[3]
- The Virtual Era (2020–Present): During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gleemen produced a year of online concerts via YouTube, including the "2020 Home For The Holidays" and "Songs of the Sea" (2021).[8]
- Online Rehearsal Infrastructure: A permanent remnant of the pandemic is the organization’s digital Song Library. Members utilize private practice tracks for all four vocal parts, allowing for independent study.[9]
Musical Directors
The leadership of the Eugene Gleemen has historically been drawn from the University of Oregon faculty and local music directors.[7]
| Tenure | Director | Background / Historical Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1926–1927 | Hugh Winder | Founding Director. |
| 1927 | David John Jones | |
| 1927 | Tom Kaarbus | |
| 1928 | Eugene Karr | |
| 1928–1944 | John Stark Evans | UO Music Professor; provided stability during major growth. |
| 1944–1962 | Theodore Kratt | Dean of the UO School of Music. |
| 1962–1963 | Neil Wilson | UO Music Instructor. |
| 1963–1969 & 1975–1987 | Esley Schick | Served a combined 19 years; assistant director since 1950. |
| 1969–1975 | Max Riseinger | UO Choral Conductor. |
| 1987–1988 | Nelson Ennes | |
| 1989–1993 | Steve Maricle | Music Director at First Baptist Church. |
| 1993–1994 | Ray Morse | |
| 1994–1995 | David Phillips | |
| 1995–2001 | Royce Osborne | Music Director at Ebbert Memorial Methodist Church. |
| 2001–2002 | James Roddan | |
| 2002–Present | Dr. John Jantzi | Longest-serving director in the group's history.[1] |
Centennial Gala and Historical Exhibition
The Eugene Gleemen will celebrate their 100th Anniversary on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Call for Archival Contributions
The organization is seeking historical items for the Centennial exhibits. Prior members and the general public are invited to contribute high-resolution photos, old performance posters, programs, or other memorabilia by contacting the organization.[1]
Archival Display and Docent Tours
A comprehensive Historical Exhibition will open at 3:30 PM on the day of the Gala. Docent guides will lead visitors through a display including original 1926 charters, touring journals from the United Kingdom and Australia, and a photographic history of the directors.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "The Eugene Gleemen History and Centennial". Official Website. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Sing It From the Rooftop". Eugene Magazine. 2024.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Mac Court at UO". Lane County Music History Project. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
- ↑ Arion Male Voice Choir and Eugene Gleemen Records (Report). City of Victoria Archives. Ref: PR 11.
- ↑ "Centennial '71 Festival of Song". The Daily Colonist. Victoria, B.C. May 22, 1971.
- ↑ "Festival of Song: Arion Male Voice Choir and Eugene Gleemen". Program Archive. University Centre Auditorium. May 16, 1992.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "The Complete List of Conductors: 1926 to Present". The Eugene Gleemen History Archive. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
- ↑ "The Eugene Gleemen YouTube Channel". Retrieved 2026-01-02.
- ↑ "New Member Information & Song Library". Official Website. Retrieved 2026-01-02.
External links
- Official website
- https://www.youtube.com/@EugeneGleemen Official YouTube Channel]
Category:Choral groups in the United States Category:Musical groups established in 1926 Category:Organizations based in Eugene, Oregon Category:1926 establishments in Oregon
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