Pomona College quietly retired two of most popular songs — “Hail, Pomona, Hail!” in 2008 and “Torchbearers” in 2015 — due to their roots in Blackface minstrelsy and cultural appropriation. While Pomona’s website acknowledges these histories, Zena Ameida-Warwin PO ’28 critiques the College’s choice to remove the songs without engaging the community in any meaningful public dialogue.
Tag: Choir
SCAMFest showcases 5C and SoCal a cappella groups
On the evening of Nov. 9, Pomona’s Bridges Auditorium drew back its curtains for the Southern California A Cappella Music Festival, known more commonly as “SCAMFest.” The annual event featured performances from twelve 5C a cappella groups, one dance troupe, Groove Nation and groups from UCLA, USC and UC Davis.
Beethoven’s 9th Symphony: An Ode to Joy by Pomona College Orchestra and Choir
On Feb. 23 and Feb. 25, the Pomona College orchestra and choir performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 at Bridges Hall of Music. The 200th anniversary of its premiere, the concert sold out within 24 hours. The famous final movement of the symphony is commonly known as “Ode to Joy.” Many audible gasps emerged from the audience when the choir rose from their seats in unison and joined the orchestra.
The masked singers: Music programs implement COVID-19 safety guidelines
How can high-risk activities such as singing survive during a pandemic? Music professors have tackled this question through uniquely shaped masks, social distancing, and practicing outdoors.