Favorite Memory
Monday, January 23, 2006
PMO Parents, what has been your favorite memory of your son or daughter being in PMO? Are you planning on attending a show soon? Let other parents know!
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I’d have to say at this point my most memorable PMO memory would be the first time I saw Amanda perform as a Purduette. It was Purdue Sings 2003! I was awestruck! Gosh, then there was her first Christmas Show, and of course Spring Spectacular and her first solo! I have to pinch myself everytime I see her up on stage fulfilling her dream! We are planning to come to campus for Homecoming on Oct. 16th! Hope to see lots of parents at the show and the Homecoming Celebration after the game!
Written by Rebecca Roach on 24 Feb 2005 at 09:57 PM
Paul singing “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” at the Christmas show was a highlight, but so was the yodeling and the Bavarian Schuhplatt dancing at a First Nighter-and how could I forget the fiddling duels on stage with the Glee club? Perhaps the most fun memory is of Paul and Mike Allen hawking Glee club wares to a parody of Simon and Garfinkel.........."The Sounds of Glee Club"-aaah! GREAT MEMORIES!!! It was always a special highlight to hear the Glee Clubbers sing the table grace at banquets also. The PMO concert goer is always lavished with multiple musical gifts from supremely talented and terrific young men- and women. Can’t wait until the next concert!
Written by Kristine Larson on 25 Feb 2005 at 01:49 PM
My favorite memory of our son, Steve, singing with the Glee Club so far was his first performance at Glee Club camp. I decided to go on the spur of the moment. I’d been wondering all week whether he’d been doing OK and how everything was going for him. He had been planning up until the very last possible moment to attend IU and I was hoping he was feeling good about his decision to switch to Purdue because of the Glee Club. I waited in the vestibule to get a glimpse of him before the concert started but I didn’t see him. In actuality, I just didn’t recognize him with his short hair! I had just enough time to grab him for the all important question, “Are you glad you did this?” With “new man” awe and wonder in his eyes, I got a big “OH YEAH.” And I truly believed him when he rushed to find me for the run out, held my hand, and sang with all his heart and soul.
Written by Libbi Schlenk on 03 Mar 2005 at 06:34 AM
I have several memories: Sarah having a solo in last year’s Christmas show; Beth and Sarah performing together at Tri West Middle School last February---what an amazing honor to have two children in PMO!
I go to everything I can possibly schedule in, Glee Club and Purduettes, or just Glee Club, and of course, just Purduettes!
When Beth graduates, I am becoming a foster mom for a PMO member just so I can know the schedule of performances!
Written by Donna Gentry on 03 Mar 2005 at 06:36 AM
I think everytime I see my son Paul up on stage becomes my new favorite; but I do especially love when he is able to sing to me during the run-out son! I still cry sometimes just from the joy! But when he was able to sing to my mom at the show in Carmel last year, it was so wonderful and it made her feel so special! She was glowing unlike she had in months! And all I could say was that is the way it makes me feel every time I see and hear Paul sing. Now she understands why I’ll drive 2 hours to go to a show!
Written by Peggy (Ahrendt) Loeffler on 03 Mar 2005 at 06:37 AM
Among many enjoyable memories was seeing Micah perform in Ba-Na-Na. The leather jacket, sunglasses, and hammed Do-Wop genre were a natural fit for him. The most poignant of all Glee Club memories was his lavaliere presentation to his mother during the 2004 Florida tour because it afforded him the opportunity to communicate his love and gratitude for her.
Written by Myron Davis on 03 Mar 2005 at 06:38 AM
One of my favorite Glee Club moments was listening to the guys sing in Times Square, Ground Zero, and Carnegie Hall! Awesome. Looking forward to many more “favorites”!
Written by Loretta King on 03 Mar 2005 at 06:38 AM
I need my own website to post all of my favorites from Chris’ years in Glee Club, but honestly I am torn between three - so that is what I get to share because it is my turn at the keyboard (and Paul you can’t delete it).
The very first run out song at first nighter was incredible. I didn’t even know he could find me (and it was about the last time he found me in a crowd in all 4 years) but he did. And there wasn’t a dry eye in the vicinity. He cried, I cried, as did the people in front, behind, beside and across the aisle. Not a Kodak moment,(due to the traumatic looks on our faces) but heart warming just the same.
Then there was the lavalier at the Scottish Rite in Fort Wayne. I had no idea it was coming and he surprised me, made me laugh, cry and thrilled me with the passion and love which came out in his song.
But on my top ten list was Mother’s Brunch his junior and senior year. He collapsed in a heap when he was made manager. He forgot how to walk and what his name was. Then his senior year when
I was finally able to tell a roomful of people what a wonderful schmuck he was, that was a delight.
But when my very own Hall of Famer sang to me for the last time at End of Season, I had never felt so much pride and love.
I wish that every mom on the face of this earth could experience Glee Club and watching their son turn into a man right before their eyes.
As the memories flood once again, so do my tears. My dear Chris you are a blessing as is every young man in the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, henceforth and forevermore.
Love to all!
Terry Pozezanac
Written by Terry Pozezanac on 03 Mar 2005 at 06:39 AM
What a Joy to see all the Glee Club sing at
St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Sun. Nov. 14th.
I was impressed by the the singing with
the congregation the song, “Make me a Blessing”
to someone today. You all are truly a blessing
to everyone who hears the Glee Club sing.
God bless you all.
Written by Janet Overmyer on 03 Mar 2005 at 06:39 AM
I’ve had the privilege of being associated with the Glee Club family for almost 5 years!! I’m so pleased to have the 5th year bonus! There are not words to discribe the pleasure and respect that grows with watching the audiences being thrilled with performances of our sons. I appreciate the dicipline and the time they spend to bring happiness to others. Glee Club is NOT for wimps!!!
I love each performance and pretty much know the words to all the songs, but my favorite memories are of the Christmas Shows. Being Santa’s Mom for me was awesome. When my kids were little we never got very caught up in the “Santa” thing as I wanted the three of them to always celebrate the birth of their Savior. But Joey helped me grow to appreciate the “man”...Santa Claus who exemplified the teaching of Christ to “glorify our God and live to serve mankind.” (To quote another of their songs.) My proudest moment was when Joey as Santa met with a disabled boy and his family before the show because this was what they had asked for from the Make a Wish Foundation. They all were thrilled and I know felt loved. Who could ask for anything more from you kid??!!
Yes, Joey, I’m weeping as I type this!
If you’re new to the PMO experience, just sit back, enjoy the ride and get ready for the wonderfully grown man or woman on the other side.
Written by Deborah (Martin) Beebe on 30 Mar 2005 at 10:09 PM
Our favorite memory of our son Ryan Strong was his first solo at the “First Nighter.” We had no idea that freshman even get solos and when we heard his name we both looked at each other with total amazement. We were so proud of Ryan as he sang Billy Joel’s song “Just the Way You Are.” As the season is coming to an end we have been so proud of the entire Glee Club as they have improved so much. Florida was a great memory as well.
Written by Steve and Denise Zinselmeier on 08 Apr 2005 at 06:18 PM
Although we have “no” actual Purdue students, we have been made to feel at home with the men and staff of the Varsity Glee Club over the past several years. Having taught the McGee men when they were mere little boys, it has been an absolute delight to follow them into maturity. As a result, we have sort of adopted and supported several young men who just needed someone to tell them that they were outstanding young men. We have 2 wonderful children of our own who are also quite talented and who have great families of their own; however, we feel so very close to the Glee Club members. Our respect and love for these men runs deep and their respect and response to us is greatly appreciated. We also wish to thank Brian, Jay, and Julie for always welcoming us with a smile and a kind word. What an outstanding staff this is and what super values they instill in these talented young men. Music has meant a great deal to both of us for many years as Becky has taught music for better than 50 years and I have used some God-given vocal talent in many arenas. Keep up the outstanding work and we love each of you.
Written by Jon & Becky Morris on 26 Apr 2005 at 11:49 PM
I have had such a wonderful Purdue experience led by my time with the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, and I’m not related to any of them. I am friends with Nancy and Andrew McCormick (second tenor), and they have so lovingly included me in their family. I was so blessed to travel with the boys and some parents for several days on the Florida trip this spring, and can’t tell you strongly enough how wonderful it was. As an ‘extra person’, I was enveloped in the Glee Club experience completely by both boys and their parents. These young men are so far beyond being just awesome singers and students. They are a positive promise for humanity. They practice skills that will take them far along on their chosen paths. They not only learn to sing, but also learn to see things from different views, treat guests cordially, and set the peaceful, social example of treating each other with respect. On the Florida trip, riding on the bus with them, not thinking that someone was watching them, I noticed them joking, playing cards, sleeping, listening to music and helping each other without giving it a second thought. I returned to the teaching of my 4th grade classroom wondering how I could be better. How could the short time I have with a 10 year old, help him or her grow up to be like a Glee Clubber? (Pretty powerful, huh?...but so true.) It was more than just a break in the sun for me. It was a life improving experience, and one I hope I will continue to learn from. Thank you to all the boys for their simple acts of human kindness that make everyone feel so special. The standards that are set for members of the Glee Club guide them to make a powerful statement as a group, but they would not exert the energy (in or out of the group) if it was an uncomfortable life to live. They get such positive payback from everything they put into being a member, and those positive feelings urge them to continue that lifestyle. Parents of Glee Club men should never take for granted what they have raised. I praise all of you and thank you for what you have put into our society’s future.
Written by Kris Anderson on 04 May 2005 at 10:35 PM
PMO and Glee Club....what an experience...it was a privledge to be a part of this wonderful group of students and their parents.
The best thing from Glee Club? The Great Wall...Times Square...My Lavilier song…
nope, I know what it is....
I got more out of PMO than I ever imagined.
The best thing I got was a new son-in-law named Chris Piano and a new daughter-in-law named Sara (Trznadel)Dyck. We are now a complete PMO family.
Best wishes to everyone. Thanks for the memories.
Written by Sharon Dyck on 20 Feb 2006 at 01:32 AM