SPRINGFIELD, MA -- Singing in the third oldest collegiate a cappella group in the country, the Colgate Thirteen, has opened doors for 19-year-old Taylor Street resident Andrew G. Krulewitz.
It has taken him to the nation's capital, where the group sang before about 80,000 people at a Washington Red Skins game in Fedex Field.
"Singing the national anthem at Fedex Field was probably the best moment of my first year (in college)," said the sophomore at Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., during a recent interview at his home.
Having that many people cheer the performance was "pretty awe inspiring," he said.
A cappella groups sing without instrumental accompaniment, an accomplishment that requires a good ear for music, according to Krulewitz, who sings baritone. The college group is called the Colgate Thirteen because only 13 of its members sing at a time. The number 13 is important in Colgate history because the college was founded by 13 men with $13 and 13 prayers, according to Krulewitz.
He said the Colgate Thirteen is the most widely heard male a cappella group in the country and serves as an ambassador for the college.
While the group was in Washington, D.C., it also performed at some inner city schools, where its members answered questions about college life.
"I think we really inspired some kids to think not just of college, but of music in general," Krulewitz said.
He joined the group early last fall after it held auditions for about 35 students and chose five for membership.
Krulewitz, who used to sing in the choir at All Saints' Episcopal Church in South Hadley, said that experience helped him with sight singing skills and learning how to blend into a group.
Next year, the singing organization will do a national tour and is eyeing a trip to Tokyo. On Sept. 1, it will perform at Fenway Park in Boston.
Because the group will be in the area, it will also perform at 7 p.m. on Sept. 2 at All Saints' Episcopal Church in South Hadley.
The Colgate Thirteen gives more than 50 performances each semester and travels more than 14,000 miles a year, mostly in a stretch limousine. Since 1942 it has recorded 22 albums and has performed at such events as the Olympics and the Super Bowl and before such dignitaries as former President Clinton and his wife, Hillary.
Reprinted with permission from The Republican: http://www.masslive.com/holyokeplus/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1152691990113690.xml&coll=1
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