History Tea

Organized by our Historian, the biannual History Tea gives us a chance to explore our organization’s accomplishments, mysteries, and goals. On September 10th, Anne Jones was kind enough to host the Chorus for tea at her home here in Ithaca. Anne spoiled us with savories and tea, and we arrived brandishing mugs and sweets to share.

In a flurry of excitement, singers piled out of cars or strolled over from the bus stop ready for an afternoon of Chorus education. Historian Medina Keita ’20 gave a lovely presentation that spanned all (nearly) 100 years of Chorus history, including recent events such as the Sesquicentennial celebrations of 2015 and our more recent tours to Mexico, Guatemala, and the Atlantic Coast.

Following the presentation, we smiled for a commemorative photograph before delving into the new permanent repertoire packets to sing some of our favorite songs. Speaking of photographs, we have an Instagram as well as a Facebook page; Social Media Chair Brianna Cox ’20 updates regularly, so you’ll be able to see what we’re up to on a day-to-day basis. The new permanent repertoire packets were a product of research and surveys by Librarians Sydney Hertafeld ’18 and Alina Robin ’19 as well as designs and assembly by General Manager Autumn Watt ’19. They are absolutely beautiful, and it is our hope that every member of the Chorus will be able to keep their booklet forever. I’ve taken to calling them “Lifetime Permanent Rep,” and look forward to bringing mine along as I return to the Hill as an alumna!

Over the course of the afternoon, members socialized, snacked, and enjoyed the comfort of a “home away from home.” Anne kindly extended an invitation to come visit her outside of the History Tea context, reminding all of us that the Chorus is truly a home at Cornell, and that we have an incredible network of support and friendship!