“It seems to me that since this campus has 13,000 students of which close to 1,300 are women, we could use a mixed chorus. Mr. Boone, would you be willing to direct or help us find a director for a mixed chorus on campus?” – Bob Jarvis, First President of New Tradition Singers
“I agree with you. The time has come for a mixed chorus and I would love to direct a mixed chorus. So if you will pull it together and get it organized, I will direct it.” – Robert L. Boone, First Director of New Tradition Singers
And so we were. After advertising on campus with 40 signs, the New Tradition Singers held their first meeting on February 19th, 1970 in G. Rollie White Coliseum. Robert Boone had several pieces of music ready and rehearsal commenced. A new tradition certainly began, especially considering Texas A&M was less than five years past being an all-male military school with no fine arts program. It wasn’t until Thanksgiving, November 23, of that same year that the choir performed for its first audience in All Faiths Chapel. Since then, the choir has been renamed the Century Singers and has developed into a reputable mixed choir and social organization. We are now blessed with the strong leadership of Jess Wade, who has been a key player in the transformation and growth of this group for over half of its existence. In 2011, we celebrated our fortieth anniversary and Mr. Wade’s wish was apparent:
“In another year, Choral Activities will be back in an expanded and renewed space in the Memorial Student Center. The university continues to grow even in difficult financial times. There are students here for whom choral music is important. Hopefully we will continue to grow, both in numbers (additional choirs?) and the kinds of choral experiences that are offered. At some point it will become time for me to move on. But my time here will have only been worth it if that choral legacy can continue to improve and grow.” – Jess Wade, Director
As a choir and organization, this is our wish, as well.