Performing group abound

Student performing arts groups are an integral part of the University community. Drama, comedy, dance and music flourish on campus – student support remains strong for the more than 20 student arts groups. The all-male Glee Club is the oldest performing arts groups on campus, and has sung in more than 20 countries, including Denmark, the former Soviet Union and Greece. The Penn Band guards much of the University's musical tradition. It is known for its crazy half-time antics during Quaker football games on Franklin Field and on road trips to other colleges. The Penn Singers is a co-ed light opera troupe that presents a full-scale Gilbert and Sullivan production each spring. The Music Department sponsors a variety of groups, including the University Symphony Orchestra, which performs a variety of classical music; the University Choral Society, which has performed at Carnegie Hall; the University Choir, which frequently performs at local churches; the Baroque String Quartet, which performs historic music; the University Wind Ensemble; and several other small ensembles from around campus. The Penn Jazz Ensemble performs a mix of blues, ragtime, swing, be-bop and rock at their concerts, the Balalaika Orchestra performs using antique instruments and Penn Dixie plays good old fashioned Southern music. Several a cappella groups have been organized on campus as well. The all-male Pennsylvania 6-5000 and Chord on Blues, the all-female Quaker Notes, the co-ed Counterparts, Penny loafers, and Off the Beat present shows several times a year. The Inspiration performs rhythm and blues, while the Penn Gospel Choir performs spiritual music at various concerts on campus and in Philadelphia. Quadramics, which originated as the Quadrangle's small performing arts troupe, has significantly expanded to a student-directed group that presented Pink Floyd's The Wall, one of the most successful student shows ever on campus. Penn Players works with professional directors for each of their productions. Some of the biggest laughs on campus traditionally emanate from Mask and Wig Club shows, the only all-male comedy ensemble of its kind still existing in the Ivy League. Bloomers, the female counterpart to Mask and Wig, features innovative songs and dances combined with sarcasm and wit. Without a Net performs improvisational comedy. Intuitons, an avant-garde theater company, offers modern perspectives on drama using multi-media presentations and little known or new works in its creative shows. Penn Dance and the Arts House Dance Company offer performances incorporating a wide range of dance styles while Ayalah concentrates on Israeli folk dancing. The Black Arts League also offers dances among the acts in its repertoire.