A Cappella Group Sang Its Way

Into The Hearts Of HOM Students

By Nancy K. Crevier

“We do kids a disservice when we expect them to only like modern music, or rap, or bright lights. Kids know quality when they see it,” said Head O’ Meadow School Principal William Bircher. His point was proved as The Colgate Thirteen, an all-men’s a cappella singing group from Colgate University, captured the attention of kindergarteners through fourth graders at two morning concerts Thursday, September 20, at Head O’ Meadow Elementary School.

The Colgate Thirteen is the third oldest a cappella men’s singing group in the nation, having been formed in 1942, according to the group’s co-leaders Christopher Freeman and Kevin Erway. Although there are actually 24 members in the singing group, only 13 perform at a time.

The men sing with no accompaniment, blending their voices in harmony and backing themselves up with subtle vocalizations. They have performed at schools and other organizations all over the country and are preparing for a two-week tour in Florida in January. They were at Head O’ Meadow at the invitation of the cultural arts committee for the Head O’ Meadow PTA.

In between concerts, members Christopher Freeman, Kevin Erway, Andrew Kruliwitz, and Patrick McClellan visited with Cathy Lent’s first grade class, answering questions like “How did you get here today?” and “Why do you like to sing?” The entire class agreed that “The cowboy song” was the best part of the program they had seen that morning.

Children and teachers alike enjoyed the repertoire of songs that covered music from the classics to contemporary. Particularly popular with the third and fourth graders was the group’s rendition of the Beach Boy’s “Surfer Girl,” with singer Christopher Freeman perched surfer-style atop another member as they sang. The group received a huge round of applause accompanied by chuckles as The Colgate Thirteen serenaded third grade teacher Tina Murphy and took her for a brief spin around the “dance floor” of the cafeteria.

But whether the singers were camping it up or playing it straight, it was clear that The Colgate Thirteen had sung their ways into the hearts of the Head O’ Meadow audience.