While most resort to delivering roses and chocolates to their loved ones on Valentine’s Day, others choose to express their love through song — courtesy of the Penn Glee Club’s Singing Valentines.
My first introduction to the singing cupids took place when a group of young men dressed in suits and ties knocked on the door to my French class on Feb. 12 with a polite, “Excuse me, professor, but we have a Valentine to deliver.”
The recipient of the singing Valentine blushed and giggled, much to the rest of the class’ amusement — a welcome diversion from irregular verbs and translations.
Later that day, I met up with the Glee Club to follow along as they delivered Valentines. Last week, approximately 10 Glee Club members are “on-duty” for serenading at any given time.
On our way to our first stop, College junior and Glee Club Publicity Manager Chris Wogan explained their annual Valentine’s Day process.
Every year, around Valentine’s day students can order Singing Valentines to be delivered either in person or via phone for $5.
Proceeds this year will go to Habitat for Humanity, which will put the money toward earthquake relief in Haiti.
“It’s definitely the most fun time of the year for us,” Wogan said. “A lot of our members joined just to get the chance to do this every year.”
The Glee Club then organizes its schedule according to where and when they have to be to deliver Valentines. Members also contact professors to get permission to interrupt classes.
While a few professors said no, most readily agreed — one even asked for the group’s sheet music, according to College senior and Glee Club President Lee Crain.
“It’s a logistical nightmare,” Crain said. “We still love it though.”
The Glee Club expects to raise about $1,500 this year.
Our first delivery was to a recitation in Williams 316. The teaching assistant was more delighted than the students, as he clapped along.
Next we made our way to the Admissions Office to serenade Dean of Admissions Eric Furda.
“My heart is pounding,” Furda said after the group had delivered its song.
Our final stop was a lecture hall in the Chemistry building. The class gave a resounding applause as the Glee Club members sang to two students.
“The best part is the embarrassed looks of the students we’re singing to,” Glee Club member and College freshman Jonathan Ferrari said.
The group then made their way to the Platt Student Performing Arts House to make spread more Valentine’s Day cheer via phone calls.
They all serenaded their mothers — and even offered to call my mother.
“It’s a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” Crain said. “And whether they’re embarrassed or genuinely warmed by our singing, the reactions are always great to see.”
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