Brothers, Sing On!: My Half-Century Around the World with the Penn Glee Club [Hardcover]

Bruce Montgomery (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2005

In 1862, a group of undergraduates at the University of Pennsylvania put the University's colors of red and blue in their buttonholes and gave the first performance of the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club. Ninety-four years later, in 1956, Bruce Montgomery became the Glee Club's director and brought the Club to new heights of musicianship and international acclaim. In his forty-four-year tenure, "Monty" made the Glee Club the premier musical voice of the University and brought Penn and the spirit of Philadelphia to audiences around the world.

The Glee Club has performed on five continents in thirty countries and countless times in Philadelphia. In Brothers, Sing On! Monty shares his stories and experiences. From an impromptu photo op on a Wisconsin highway during a blizzard in 1977 to singing for U.S. presidents, this exhilarating memoir is filled with the Glee Club's farflung adventures. Backstage anecdotes let the reader step behind the scenes of such performances at home, abroad, and on worldwide television.

A reflection of Monty's boundless energy and flair for showmanship, this volume also includes stories of the students with whom the Glee Club director worked in other clubs—the Penn Singers, the Marching Band, the Penn Players, and the Mask & Wig Club, to name a few. Throughout his memoir, Montgomery reflects fondly on the development of the Glee Club. It is a testament to his immeasurable contribution to its success and renown.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"While you're reading this book, you will find yourself enjoying a wonderful man."—Bill Cosby

"As a Penn alum (class of '48), and someone who has known Bruce Montgomery for many years, I was happy to read of his adventures, training and shepherding the Penn Glee Club. It is often funny, earnest, and always interesting."—Hal Prince

"Monty is a treasure—and so is his book."—Marciarose Shestack

From the Publisher

Bruce Montgomery is former director of musical activities at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as former director of the Penn Glee Club and the University Band. He is recognized internationally as one of America's foremost authorities on the works of Gilbert & Sullivan and, indeed, has directed and performed all fourteen of the operas both in the U.S. and abroad. His compositions have been performed by such notable ensembles as the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. His 1964 Off-Broadway hit, The Amorous Flea, is still performed throughout the world and his paintings and sculptures adorn private collections and galleries across the land. He is both former director and musical director of the Mask & Wig Club and the Penn Players. Currently he is acting director of the Penn Singers.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press (July 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812238567
• ISBN-13: 978-0812238563
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,852,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Afterglow", forever., December 12, 2005

By 

Larry Carroll (Lancaster, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brothers, Sing On!: My Half-Century Around the World with the Penn Glee Club (Hardcover)

Having sung in the 1960's Penn Glee Club, when we didn't dance and didn't travel far from West Philadelphia, this book is an explanation of how the "Club" survived and thrived in subsequent years. The World travel and successes are thrilling;
but how "Monty" and his men put together their annual shows and built on them is even more enthralling.
Surely anyone who had anything to do with the University of Pennsylvania for the past 50 plus years has been touched by the
talent of Bruce Montgomery and should find this a good read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story of talent and success, October 18, 2005

By 

Clyde W. Watson (Scottsdale, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brothers, Sing On!: My Half-Century Around the World with the Penn Glee Club (Hardcover)

After a less than sterling performance as Santa Claus in a first grade pageant, I decided that others were better suited for the limelight than I. On later occasions, I had the opportunity to use my visual skills 'backstage' through set design and construction. In this manner I found much satisfaction in collaborating with talented folks who could sing, dance and remember lyrics and scores far better than I. Mr. Mongomery's book, "Brothers, Sing On!" brings back many memories of marvelous experiences, great friendships, and yes, the hard work that goes into the making of exhilarating performances.

I can only wish that I had first hand experiences with Mr. Mongomery's music. Seeing his group via TV in Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade was of interest. The recounting in his book of his half-century of performances and creations seems to demonstrate rather convincingly his outstanding musical and directing skills. To be able to compose - invent - new music as well as arrange the work of others; to write transitional or counterpoint melodies and lyrics, surely are gifts that few people have. For performers, collaborators, or those interested in stories of success, Mr. Mongomery's book is a true delight to read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT READ - FASCINATING AND INSPIRING!, September 28, 2005

By 

Elizabeth Stephens (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brothers, Sing On!: My Half-Century Around the World with the Penn Glee Club (Hardcover)

Having heard the University of Pennsylvania perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and also with the Philadelphia Orchestra, I picked this book up out of curiosity. Then I couldn't put it down and had to purchase two more for friends as gifts. Bruce Montgomery's memoir of nearly 50 years working with talented college students and transforming them into a finely honed professional singing troupe is nothing short of breathtaking. This will make a great holiday gift for everyone on my list!