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• August 23, 1999, Letters now merged with behind the scenes email to help readers follow along. Letters to Penn State administrators up until August 16, 1999, are below. For the last round of emails between the campaign and administrators, please go to the post fundraising section of the behind the scenes page.
• Dr. Green Disavows Responsibility. 5/25/99. Dr. Green disavows School of Music financial responsibility for the Singing Lions in email messages sent to SLs alumni who had sent him email earlier in our campaign. Green acknowledged that his statement was incorrect in a June 8, 1999, meeting with Pete (see behind the scenes)
• Update on Dr. Green's progress. 5/11/99. Courtney sent an email to Dr. Green on 5/10/99 asking several questions.
• Penn Stater. 5/3 - 5/12/99. Series of email communication between the editor of the Penn Stater and Courtney Hall.
• Tim Hall-Green-Spanier. 5/1/99. Replies from Green & Spanier.
• Green-Liburdi discussion. 4/28 - 5/3/99. Series of email communication between Laura (Sikes) Liburdi and Dr. Green

If you use the links above, please use your browser's "Back" button to return to the highlights menu.

****************************************************

To: Martin Egna@Computax

Subject: Re: RE: Singing Lions Letter

Hi marty-I'm online right now :-) Here is the letter:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Green,

I am writing in regards to the potential discontinuation of the Penn state Singing Lions program. I was a member of the Singing Lions from 1987 thru 1991. I find it deeply disturbing that such a fine division as The School Of Music would let such a popular, fulfilling, entertaining, and representative group such as the Singing Lions even come close to folding.

During my four years at University Park, in addition to maintaining my scholastic endeavors, I participated in a number of campus organizations, among them, Delta Upsilon International Fraternity, Interfraternity Council, Fraternity Purchasing Association, Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society, Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Student Alliance, and the Penn State Singing Lions. Of all of the social and professional contacts I have made and maintained, those made thru Singing Lions have by far been the most fruitful, lasting, and memorable. I was able to meet alumni, other students (many of whom could have cared less about a music program in general), faculty, and local citizens and many have stayed friends or in contact and this was able to happen all because of a show here or there, a football game performance one year or another, and a tour every year which spread the good word of Penn State and its School of Music. That accounting errors or misjudgments and an apparent lack of concern for the demise of this establishment is controlling the destinies of its members, undergraduate and alumni alike, as well as the entertainment options of many individuals this group affects is truly heartbreaking.

Having been involved in financial planning for many student organizations, I know that reservoirs do exist to help maintain worthwhile efforts. I would ask that you consider the many people you could positively affect by keeping the Singing Lions a viable organization and study your economic options for the upcoming year to help assist in this effort. Supplying a deadline and a dollar amount with little more than two weeks notice is hardly just and honest. Surely an man and organization of reputable cause would find it in their conscious to rectify this injustice by helping rather than hindering many peoples efforts to keep the music playing. I sincerely hope you are that man and the School of Music is that organization.

Respectfully,

Edward F. Marshall, '91

************************************************

From: Tim Hall <t.j.hall@worldnet.att.net> on 08/12/99 10:42 AM

To: Harold Goodridge <hgoodrid@centredaily.com>@SMTP@cchntmsd
cc: Marty Egna <m.egna@worldnet.att.net>@SMTP@cchntmsd

Subject: URGENT SINGING LION NEWS MUST ACT BY AUG. 16!

Dear Mr. Goodridge,

There's more news about the Singing Lions, urgent news requiring immediate action.  Dr. Green has passed the ball, placing it into the hands of the Singing Lion Alumni, telling us we have until Aug. 16 (Monday) to secure $5000.00 to fund the group or it will disappear. Due to our love of the group and the important role we feel the group plays at PSU, we are desperately trying to round up the money.

I am coming to the CDT for help because you've followed this issue and have been involved since the beginning of our campaign.  We are a young group of alumni and will find it difficult to reach this high goal in such a short time.  The group has received pledges from alumni and corporate sponsors getting our total of support up to $3600.00.  We've now reached a stand still, and fear that the future of the group is slipping through our fingers.

Please bring this matter to the attention of anyone at the CDT who may be able to help the Singing Lions reach their goal.  We would gratefully accept donations from individuals or from the CDT as an organization.  We would also deeply appreciate and authorize the paper to print this letter in an effort to get the State College community involved in the fund-raising effort.  Please help, in any way possible.   Following, please find information regarding where to send donations and to whom to write checks or send money orders.  Also, please send Marty Egna an email at m.egna@worldnet.att.net to let us know the amount of your donation and that it's on the way. We must be able to tell Dr.Green on Monday with confidence that he has donation commitments adding up to $5,000.

Please make checks payable to the Penn State Singing Lions

In the memo line, write: 1999-2000 season Singing Lions operating expenses

And send donations to:

Pete Kiefer
School of Music
233 Music Building
University Park, PA 16802

Thank you so much for your continued interest in the plight of The Singing Lions, and thank you for any support you can provide.

Courtney Hall, Singing Lion and PSU alumnus

*******************************************

August 11, 1999

From: MarkoJr@aol.com
To: gspanier@psu.edu
cc:
Subject: Fwd: Save The Singing Lions!!!!

Dear Dr. Spanier:

This is a copy of the letter that I have forwarded to Dr. Green. Please, as President of the wonderful university don't let the music die. The Singing Lions current members as well as past members care very passionately about this group and we, as parents feel the same. Take a few minuets to please read the letter that follows to Dr. Green.

Life's best lessons are not always learned in the classroom but in the interaction between student and teacher. Together then perhaps you and Dr. Green can "find" the funding that is needed to teach these wonderful young men and women that they do count, not just as a number, but as a part of the Penn State family. This, in the end, will be the Life Lesson that they take with them and how they will remember Penn State in the years to come.

Sincerely,
Marsha and John Marko
Current Parents

*******************************************************************

August 11, 1999

From: MarkoJr@aol.com
To: rgreen@psu.edu
cc:
Subject: Re: Save The Singing Lions!!!!

Dear Dr. Green:

Music is, and always has been an international language that is not just reserved for those who major in music. The Singing Lions are an integral part of that universal language. From pre and post football game shows, Christmas and Spring shows, Thon and a Spring Break tour not to mention the other shows for Alumni groups as well as Senior Citizen groups (just to name a few), these dedicated and very talented young men and women have been ambassadors not only for Penn State, but for the School of Music as well!

PLEASE DON'T LET THE MUSIC DIE!

Our daughter has been a part of the 98-99 Singing Lions. This experience has enriched her life in ways that we, as parents, are very proud of and was one of the factors that made her first year at the University very successful and filled with friendships that will last a lifetime. They (the Singing Lions) made a huge university smaller and a place that she is happy to be a part of "right from the start." Hearing these talented young men and women perform the 2nd day on campus made her want to be a part of the University and be one of its representatives Music has always been a part of her life, it is something that she is passionate about and this was the perfect avenue for her to celebrate her passion and be a part of a group that made this University "student-friendly." It was like having a "family" away from home. Which to us as parents is very comforting when you live 10 hours away!

Instead of raising their voices in anger or hatred, which is all to prevalent in our country, these young men and women are raising their voices in song "For the Glory of Old State." Instead of issuing ultimatums, you should be doing everything you possibly can to ensure that the Singing Lions will have a director and that they will continue to celebrate the gifts that they have in song.

We all have choices and priorities. We choose the Singing Lions! What is yours?

Sincerely,
John and Marsha Marko
Current parents

From: Martin Egna [mailto:m.egna@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 1999 9:34 PM
To: rgreen@psu.edu
Cc: dryan@psu.edu; axr28@psu.edu; nhp1@psu.edu; gspanier@psu.edu
Subject: Donation to the University

August 10, 1999

FROM:

Martin R. Egna, Esq.
314 Alles Street
Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

TO:

Dr. Richard Green, Director
Penn State University
School of Music
233 Music Building 1
University Park, Pennsylvania 16802

Dear Dr. Green,

I learned from current Penn State Singing Lions president Robert Yacyshyn that yesterday you committed to saving the Singing Lions for the 1999-2000 year if the group and alumni raise $5000 before next Monday. I am quite frustrated with the short notice of the deadline to raise these funds considering that you have known of Peter Kiefer's retirement for over six months.

I am also very disappointed that you have not corrected the misinformation about Singing Lions funding you have perpetuated at the university and in your June 15, 1999, letter to the editor of the Centre Daily Times. We both know that the School of Music has indeed been responsible for covering the Singing Lions director's salary but that an accounting error led another university department to unknowingly fund the position.

Quite simply sir, the Singing Lions should be funded by the School of Music just like all the other music ensembles. I understand the Singing Lions tour more than other ensembles. But I also know the group generates enough revenue to cover a large part of its expenses.

My wife, Margaret Wolff (also a former Singing Lion), and I will be sending a check for $[ ] to help the School of Music meet its obligation to support the Singing Lions. I have been coordinating the letter writing campaign to save the Singing Lions since April and will speak with other Singing Lions alumni to raise the funds necessary for the group's short-term survival. In turn, we expect you to provide for the long-term survival of the ensemble by including it in next year's School of Music budget where it belongs.

Sincerely,

Martin R. Egna, Esq.
Lifetime Member, Penn State Alumni Association
1999 Recent Alumnus of the Year award recipient
Board Member, Greater Chicago Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association
Penn State Class of 1991
Singing Lions President, 1989-90
Singing Lions member, 1987-90

314 Alles Street
Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

Day (847) 267-2259
Eve (847) 699-2594
m.egna@worldnet.att.net

Copy:

Dr. Graham Spanier, President
Penn State University
201 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802 (by email: gspanier@psu.edu)

Dean Neil Porterfield
Penn State University
College of Arts & Architecture
111 Arts Building.
University Park, PA 16802 (by email: nhp1@psu.edu )

Anne Riley, President
Penn State Alumni Association
University House
University Park, PA 16802-1439 (by email: axr28@psu.edu)

Diane Ryan, Executive Director
Penn State Alumni Association
University House
University Park, PA 16802-1439 (by email: dryan@psu.edu)

To: rgreen@psu.edu@SMTP@cchntmsd

cc: gspanier@psu.edu@SMTP@cchntmsd, m.egna@worldnet.att.net@SMTP@cchntmsd

Subject: Urgent- Please help

As an alum of both Penn State University and The Singing Lions (Class of '90), I am strongly conveying to you my gratitude for your support of the Penn State Singing Lions over these past years as well as my current concern for the group's future. When I selected my undergraduate school, I specifically looked for a diverse university that could offer not only a variety of majors areas to study, but also a show choir. During high school, I participated in traditional classical choirs, chamber choirs and also a show choir. At Penn State, I also enjoyed participation in several singing groups such as the chamber choir, opera workshop and the Singing Lions. Although I benefited from each tremendously, I found that the Singing Lions really fulfilled my creative desires and was the most beneficial group for me in terms of helping to acquire a deeper sense of responsibility as well as self-confidence. With many opportunities to travel for performances such as for many of the Penn State alumni clubs, membership in the Singing Lions taught me valuable skills in cooperation with others, shared responsibility, and public relations. As representatives of the Penn State University's School of Music, people literally all over the country could see what a class act your department really was and the opportunities that could be offered to potentials Penn Staters. I recall on many occasions speaking with high school students interested in Penn State specifically because of the unique musical choices available to them. The Singing Lions are surely unique from the other types of musical groups that we also enjoyed at Penn State. And this is why I feel that the deletion of the Singing Lions as part of Penn State's offerings would be detrimental.

Being a smaller, but incredibly energetic singing group, the Penn State Singing Lions have the rich opportunity to travel to various areas to share our talents, entertain the audience, and also recruit prospective students interested in music. And please note that many of the Singing Lions members in the past have regularly participated in other groups in the School of Music as well as in the theater, such as the Thespians. Members of the Singing Lions come from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds and areas of study. I myself obtained my Master's of Science degree in Audiology after attending Penn State, and have been on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for the past five years as the Coordinator of the Audiology Clinic. Next week, I will begin a new career as I attend the University of Maryland's School of Medicine to become a physician. Throughout all of my many interview and work experiences, all interviewers without exception have expressed such interest in my involvement with the Singing Lions when I record my "extracurricular activities during college" on my applications. My strengths of being self-confident, assertive, cooperative and energetic have been highly developed and influenced as a result of being molded by my membership in the Singing Lions. Being a Singing Lion has shaped me into the person I am today. Just yesterday, my husband (also a former Singing Lion) and two additional former Singing Lions were just reminiscing about how we all really grew up in the Singing Lions, and this is no exaggeration.

I urge you to do everything in your power to continue the Penn State Singing Lions tradition. Please provide the leadership and guidance necessary to keep the group alive. I am confident that you will not allow such a valuable Penn State asset to dissolve.

For the glory,
J. Sue (Moghadam) Garman
Class of 1990

From: ryacyshyn@wilmingtontrust.com on 07/21/99 03:23 PM

To: Martin Egna@Computax

cc:

Subject: FW: Singing Lions

FYI

-----Original Message-----

From: Graham Spanier <gspanier@psu.edu> at internet-mail

Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 1999 4:09 PM

To: Yacyshyn, Robert

Cc: rgreen@psu.edu at INTERNET-MAIL; dryan@psu.edu at INTERNET-MAIL

Subject: RE: Singing Lions

Thanks for your follow up note. I doubt that we are talking about a student group needing as little as $5000 for salary, benefits, travel, and other expenses, but once again, I will forward your message to those who are most directly involved. I believe that those who are reviewing the situation will do everything they can to be responsive to students interested in this kind of experience. Thanks again for writing.

At 03:44 PM 7/21/99 -0400, Yacyshyn, Robert wrote:

>Dr. Spanier,

> I have contacted several people since we last spoke about the
> Singing Lions and what I have found is not very enticing. I know you
> said it was a School of Music, Alumni Association matter, and believe me,
> I have taken it up with them. However, I believe the situation to be
> bigger. Recently I wrote all of the Alumni clubs in the country trying
> to earn support, but I didn't ask them for any money because I thought
> the amount in question was something ridiculous, like $40,000. When I
> learned that we are only speaking of $5,000 to hire a part-time associate
> professor I was shocked. To be emotional for a minute, how can a
> university as wonderful as ours, which can raise over 500 million dollars
> en route to "The Grand Destiny" not be able to spring $5,000 for a group
> who has support from so many areas. We interact with the Alumni,
> prospective students, and the community and have support from so many
> people, including Joe Paterno. How can the group be dissolved? I don't
> think $5,000 dollars is alot of money for a University who asked the
> state for 321 million dollars in February. Help us please, I beg you. I
> don't believe Dr. Green can do much more than he already has done, he
> doesn't have the funding. I don't know where to go because my idea of
> asking for corporate sponsors got shot down by development who told me
> that soliciting corporations wouldn't be "appropriate." If you have any
> suggestions of avenues I could pursue I will gladly try them. But I ask
> you, because your our President, to help us out and find the funds to
> support the Singing Lions. And please remember, I mean no harm in my
> comments, I just care very deeply about the group which has given me so much.

>Thank you for your time

>Robert L. Yacyshyn

------------------------------------

Graham B. Spanier

President

The Pennsylvania State University

201 Old Main

University Park, Pennsylvania 16802

Phone: 814-865-7611

email: gspanier@psu.edu

June 16, 1999

Dr. Richard Green, Director
School of Music
233 Music Building 1
University Park, PA 16802

Dear Dr. Green:

The purpose of this letter is to express a concern that the Penn State Singing Lions may not be offered as a class after the recent retirement of Peter Kiefer.

I performed with the Singing Lions from 1987-1991. I served as Vice President during the 1988-89 school year and benefited from the challenges of organizing the Spring Tour to Florida. The Singing Lions provided me with leadership skills, management skills, time management, communications and most of all teamwork. The Singing Lions were and still are my "Family" at Penn State.

I have been working for the Bank of Maryland as an Assistant Vice President in charge of the Retail Branches. We will soon be merging with BB&T Corporation, a corporation that was ranked 2^nd in the nation by Business Week as far as financial institutions are concerned. I have benefited greatly by the skills that I developed during my participation in the Singing Lions and use these skills daily in my professional career.

Elimination of the program would deprive many other students, performers and alumni the privilege of working with such an elite group. Please make sure that the Penn State Singing Lions continue at Penn State University. Participation in the group will only build and enrich a student’s life and experience at Penn State University.

Thank you for your time,

David A. Garman

***************************************************

 *************************************************

From: Tim Hall <t.j.hall@worldnet.att.net> on 05/11/99 12:34 PM EDT

Dear Dr. Green,

Thank you so much for your response to my email questions.  I'm very pleased to hear that the group has your support and efforts are being made to find both a Director and funding for future years.  It is also comforting to hear that, assuming a qualified director can be found, the group will be maintained for the coming academic year.  (What qualifications and background experiences are necessary to qualify a candidate for the position?)   Surely within the coming year, the University will make available the funds needed to support the group. 

I will try to pass your response along to other interested parties.  Thank you for all the efforts you have made and will make to keep the Singing Lions alive and well.

I look forward to hearing news of your progress. 

Sincerely,  Courtney K. Hall

*****************************************************

From: Tim Hall [mailto:t.j.hall@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Saturday, May 08, 1999 2:42 PM
To: marty egna
Subject: FW: SINGING LIONS

This is a letter my Uncle Leon [Courtney (Graham) Hall's uncle] wrote and sent to Dr. Spanier (another one for the collection).

Thanks, Court

-----Original Message-----

From: Pam Eshelman [mailto:tvfe@epix.net]
Sent: Friday, May 07, 1999 3:31 PM
To: RGREEN@PSU.EDU
Subject: SINGING LIONS

Our Penn State family has been Singing Lion supporters for many years. This support includes contributions on a yearly basis and twice we have brought them to our community for concerts.

While attending the final concert under Peter Kiefer, we learned that no one has been appointed to suceed Peter and in fact the Singing Lions may no longer exist.

We belive that the Singing Lions are a great asset to the University.

SAVE THE SINGING LIONS!!!

LEON ESHELMAN
AG EC '57

************************************************

May 8, 1999

87 Juniper Road
Bethel, CT 06801
(203) 730-2460

Dr. Richard Green, Director
School of Music
233 Music Building I
University Park, PA 16802

Dear Dr. Green:

I, like many other Singing Lion Alumni, am writing to you regarding the future of the Penn State Singing Lions. I was a member of the group from 1997-1999. I served as Vice-President and Road/Tour Manager for two seasons. The Singing Lions provided me with much during my college years. I was taught stage discipline, gained confidence in my performing ability, developed poise and a greater appreciation for music of all styles and time periods.

In addition, I formed lasting friendships and professional working relationships with all cast members, band and tech crews. Our spring break tours took us all over the country, from Texas, to Florida, to Illinois and our home state of Pennsylvania. During these tours, we have spread our Penn State cheer to Alumni chapters, many who return during football weekends to SBS where we perform to revisit the Lions they hosted. Also during these trips, many Alumni and cast members have networked to form bonds that last beyond the college years.

Last month, I along with former Singing Lion, Jamie Nelson, organized a Singing Lion reunion and roast for our director, Peter Kiefer, as he announced his retirement. We feared the end of this splendid 14-year heritage. It was a lot of hard work to do this in our final semesters, but very rewarding to thank Pete for the terrific job he has done throughout and also to meet the amazing alumni to come out of this group. Sunday's Spring Show was especially rewarding. We were in some very good company, talent-wise, on that stage. The final numbers with 14 years of Singing Lions onstage was a very appropriate and heart-warming tribute as well.

I would be deeply saddened to see such a group disband because the Music Department was unable to find a suitable replacement. The Singing Lions is the outlet for students who want to see what professional show business is all about. They learn to set up/tear down all audio equipment, choreograph their own numbers and memorize a 2-hour show which they perform over 40 times in a year.

Even though I will be graduating in May, I write this for the members who remain at University Park. They need your help in order for this group to continue. I want to return to sing the Penn State Fight Song along with them outside of SBS on August 28 for the Arizona game. I don't want April's Spring Show to be the group's final performance. I write out of experience. I know what benefits I've received due to being a member and I want others to benefit the same in the future. The fate of the group rests in your hands. Please help and find some way to continue the Penn State Spirit passed along by the Singing Lions.

For the Glory,

Jessica Day Shelley

cc: Dr. Graham Spanier, President

From: Tim Hall [mailto:t.j.hall@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 1999 9:12 PM
To: hgoodrid@centredaily.com; carbutin@centredaily.com; jbedford@centredaily.com; bbennett@centredaily.com; wreader@centredaily.com; crosenbl@centredaily.com; jshcumac@centredaily.com
Cc: marty egna
Subject: Follow-up article on of Penn State Singing Lions, "Threat of Extinction"

Dear Centre Daily Times Editors and Reporters, May 4, 1999

I am writing with urgency regarding the impending loss of a Penn State institution, the Penn State Singing Lions. Your paper printed an article about the Singing Lions in it's April 26, 1999 edition. I am hoping you will consider doing a follow-up article about the group, it's imperiled future, and the new Campaign to Save the Singing Lions. The groups director for the last 14 years is retiring at the end of Spring semester 1999, and to date, no replacement has been found and questions regarding continued funding of the position have been raised. The Singing Lions show choir adds a dimension to Penn State's Music offerings which are replicated nowhere else in the University. The community will also lose a source of public entertainment as well as a service organization (the Singing Lions have been active in the community in a variety of ways).

A brief history of the Singing Lions: The Singing Lions (previously the Pop Choir) are a 19 year old Penn State performing group (with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians as roots), serving current students, alumni, local residents, and Penn State fans extending far beyond the bounds of the University Park campus. For 14 years, the Singing Lions have rallied crowds at Beaver Stadium, sung at PSU basketball and hockey games, brought Penn State pride to Alumni Clubs everywhere from Michigan to Texas, served the community through frequent performances at schools, retirement homes and senior centers in and out of State College, and have been a recruiting tool, bringing countless talented students to Penn State. As members of this performing group students gain real world experiences which extend far beyond the stage. Membership in the Singing Lions helps students develop valuable life skills which were given only a token glance in other college classrooms (self confidence, stage presence, problem solving, time management, professionalism, responsibility, dedication, and working for team success to name a few).To lose such an outstanding Penn State proud organization would be a grave loss, not only for future Singing Lions, but for the University and the State College community.

I hope you agree that addressing a community issue happening in State College today is very important. The Music Department and the President of Penn State have received many letters supporting the group from alumni, community members and fans, current members, and parents of members all asking for continued funding and support of this performance group. We would love for your readers to send letters, or even emails, of support for the group and it's funding, to the following addresses:

I'm sure the current Singing Lion Director, Mr. Peter Kiefer (email at ptk@psulias.psu.edu, phone (814)863-2911) would be willing to talk with your staff and would provide a detailed description of the history of the Singing Lions, his retirement (following at least four years of working , unknown to him, for FREE), the groups funding, and the current crisis. Past and present members and supporters of the group are also easy to contact, and I can help you with that effort if you wish to interview some concerned parties. Again, this is an issue which will impact The Penn State community directly in the very near future. The Centre Daily Times has a chance to be proactive and preserve a valuable organization! Please do all you can to help. I'm sure I speak for all Singing Lion supporters when I say we would be tremendously grateful for any efforts you make to make a difference. Please consider publishing a follow-up article, editorial, or a version of this letter as soon as possible. If no action is taken, the group will be forced to disband before the Fall 1999 semester. Public knowledge of and response to this issue is critical to the survival of one of the most Penn State proud organizations I know. Thanks for your help! The Singing Lions have worked hard for Penn State and the State College Community. Please help keep the music alive! We are Penn State and we need YOU!

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Courtney K. Hall, PSU and Singing Lion alumnus (828)236-9449 or t.j.hall@worldnet.att.net

Dear Ms. Hay,

Please see the attatched letter about the Singing Lions.  This group urgently needs help.  Please consider publishing this letter as soon as possible.  If no action is taken, the group will be forced to disband before the Fall 1999 semester.  I've never taken it upon myself to write to any publication before, but this issue is critical to the survival of one of the most Penn State proud organizations I know.  Thanks for your help!

For the Glory,

Courtney K. Hall, 1989 B.S. ElelementaryEducation, 1991 M.S.Secondary School Counseling

---------------------------------Attachment------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------Response from Penn Stater (email string continues below)---------------------------

-------------------------------------Courtney's reply & revised letter to editor (email string continues below)---------------------------

From: Tim Hall [t.j.hall@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 1999 1:58 PM
To: Tina Hay
Cc: marty egna
Subject: RE: Singing Lions in danger of extinction!

Hi, Tina,

Thanks for your response. I wasn't sure if the Penn stater would allow us to directly urge a letter writting campaign or anything, but since you asked...

We would love for readers to send letters of support for the group and it's funding, or even emails, to the following addresses:

Dr. Richard Green, Director
School of Music
233 Music Building
University Park, PA 16802
rgreen@psu.edu

Dr. Graham Spanier
201 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802
gspanier@psu.edu

I understand that your editorial section doesn't usually print this sort of article. There is value in printing responses to previous magazine articles about PSU, but to actually address a current real life issue happening on campus today seems even more important. Please consider giving this topic priority in The Penn Stater. If not in the letters from readers section, possibly in a small article. I'm sure the current Singing Lion Director, Mr. Peter Kiefer (email at ptk@psulias.psu.edu, phone (814)863-2911) would be willing to talk with your staff and would provide a detailed description of the history of the Singing Lions, the groups funding, and the current crisis. Again, this is an issue which will impact Penn State directly in the very near future. The Penn stater has a chance to be proactive and preserve an entire organization! Please do all you can to help. I'm sure I speak for all Singing Lion supporters when I say we would be tremendously grateful for any efforts you make to make a difference.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Courtney K. Hall, PSU and Singing Lion alumnus

-------------------------------------Penn Stater's reply to Courtney's revised letter (email string continues below)---------------------------

-------------------------------------Marty's reply to Courtney---------------------------

Martin Egna 05/12/99 12:27 PM

Dr. Spanier,

 I have never taken it upon myself to communicate directly with any Penn State President.....but now I feel I must.  Penn State is on the verge of possibly losing an institution....its singing ambassadors....the Penn State Singing Lions.  After 14 years, the current director (Mr. Peter Kiefer) will step down at the end of the semester and as of yet the music department has not found a replacement.

 I am a Penn State alumnus (EMS, 1992), a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association, and a Singing Lions veteran.  I was an active student while at Penn State involved in Air Force ROTC, Glee Club, Ballroom Dance Club, and the Christian Student Fellowship.  By far, however, the most significant experience of my student life was my years with the Singing Lions.  Under the direction of Mr. Pete Kiefer, I learned about teamwork, showmanship, and professionalism.  The group gave me an opportunity for community service through our many performances at nursing homes (in the State College area) and secondary public schools all over Pennsylvania.  Our ambitious performance schedule also gave me numerous chances to share my PSU pride at Commonwealth campuses across the state and Penn State alumni clubs throughout Pennsylvania, the southeast (as far south as Florida), and the Midwest (as far west as East Lancing, Michigan). Please don't let this institution disappear.

 Despite being affiliated with the School of Music, the Singing Lions (formerly called the Pop Choir) have (unofficially) never been held in high esteem (my strongly held opinion) by various members of the department.  During my tenure, I personally know of two members (music majors) who were pressured to leave the group.  The idea was that our performance of "popular" music would "ruin" their voices.  I'd be willing to bet that former members of Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians would differ with that assertion.  Some members of that group performed popular music for 40+ years.  With Mr. Kiefer at the helm (who worked with Fred Waring for many years), the heritage of the Singing Lions has had a direct connection with that historic group.  

 Even if Dr. Green, does try to find a replacement....I believe he may have some trouble due to the nature of the job.  It is (no doubt in my mind) a full time job for which Peter Kiefer has accepted part-time pay.  I believe he did this out of love for the work.  How many qualified candidates would be willing to move to State College for only 15 or 20 hours a week of pay?  Lets fix that problem and create a new full time position within the Music Department that provides a director for the Singing Lions.  If creating a full time position is impossible at this time...please do your best to find a suitable director willing to accept a part time job.  In order to ensure that the group still exists in the fall.....Dr. Green must move quickly to find a replacement.  I am counting on you to ensure that happens.

For the Glory,

Tim Hall

B.S., Penn State, 1992

t.j.hall@worldnet.att.net

-------------Response from Green (I think before Spanier sent Tim Hall a response and cc'd Green and Alumni Assoc. exec director, Diane Ryan)----------------------

From: rgreen@psu.edu [mailto:rgreen@psu.edu]

Sent: Sunday, May 02, 1999 10:51 PM

To: Tim Hall

Cc: gspanier@psu.edu

Subject: Re: Singing Lions

----------------------------------Response from Spanier----------------------------------------------------

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Tracey Starr
1204 South Washington Street #322W
Alexandria, VA 22314

Dr. Richard Green, Director
School of Music
233 Music Building 1
University Park, PA 16802

April 29, 1999

Dear Dr. Green:

My name is Tracey Starr. I graduated from Penn State in 1995 and I can't imagine what the University or my life would have been without the Singing Lions.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a celebration--a celebration of an organization that changed countless alumni lives for the better. I was a member of the Singing Lions from the fall of 1991 when I first entered the University until the spring of 1994. During the weekend's activities I learned that the future of the group is uncertain, as the director Peter T. Kiefer prepares to retire. I would like to express my heartfelt hope that you will find a replacement for Pete and continue this tradition.

In my three years with the group, I sang and I danced. And I learned more about teamwork, management and myself than I learned in three years of work experience. I created newsletters, I solicited corporate sponsorship, I designed costumes, I worked with budgets, I taught high school students, I sang holiday songs in Joe Paterno's living room, and I even wrote, produced and distributed a radio spot in which Mr. Paterno invited all of State College to our spring show.

When I interviewed for jobs during the end of my senior year, employers were amazed at the experience I had already amassed at age 22. During business meetings and dinners, while others my age (and slightly older!) nervously wondered how to handle conversations with executives, I chatted easily. You see, I'd been chatting with executives, meeting new people and serving as an ambassador of Penn State for three years as the Singing Lions traveled to alumni clubs around the country. When my employer threw new challenges and multiple deadlines in my direction, I knew how to manage my time and prioritize tasks because I'd been balancing my course-load with 40 performances per year. When there were opportunities to educate other employees, I was ready because I'd been teaching choreography and performance skills as a Singing Lion.

As a student, I wrote for the Collegian, completed an internship, studied abroad, performed in Thespian shows, and participated in numerous other activities. But nothing made as great of an impact on my life as my time with the Singing Lions. In those three years I met thousands of Penn State alumni. They shared their memories and re-lived their Penn State experience through me and through the excitement, talent and pride of the Singing Lions.

I implore you to provide the support and resources necessary for the continuation of the Penn State Singing Lions tradition. I would happy to provide any further information or support that I can. Please feel free to contact me by phone (800.521.3249 x7096) or email (trastarr@aol.com). I look forward to attending many more Singing Lions shows around the country in years to come.

Thank you,

Tracey Starr ('95, Journalism)
Total Quality Manager, Boise Cascade Office Products Corporation

-----------------------------------Response from Green-----------------------------

------------------------------Laura's reply to Green's response---------------------------

------------------------------Green's last response---------------------------

From: rgreen@psu.edu on 05/03/99 01:56:14 PM

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