It sings a wide variety of music comprising novelty, patriotic, classical, inspirational, jazz, pop, and barbershop genres.
The group currently consists of roughly 60-70 tenors and basses, includes a live accompanying band, and is one of six ensembles associated with Purdue Musical Organizations.
The Purdue Varsity Glee Club was founded in 1893 with 11 members, under the direction of Lafayette organist Cyrus Dadswell.
However, as the Glee Club gathered more admirers, University President Edward C. Elliot yielded and formalized Al Stewart's position, hired a staff, and provided rehearsal space.
During casual events, the group wears matching "travel attire" consisting of jeans, white sneakers, a Purdue Varsity Glee Club polo, and a track jacket.
The Purdue Varsity Glee Club boasts a long history of producing courteous and respectful gentlemen[citation needed].
Such committees change frequently, but usually include Advancement, Public Relations, Properties, Rehearsal Room Lounge & Transportation, Scholarship, Recruitment, Merchandise, Social Media, and Performance Preparation.
[2] The medallions worn by the Glee Club were originally furnished by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in gratitude for charity work.
During their last season with the Glee Club, graduating members are given the opportunity to recognize two important people in their lives by presenting them with a lavalier.
It is a variant of the university's official mascot, Purdue Pete, wearing a top hat and full dress uniform similar to that of the Glee Club.
Slim fashioned a 4-foot replica of Pete dressed in the complete Glee Club full-dress outfit and positioned him at the side of the stage.
Hundreds of gallons of paint and nearly 1,000 yards of fabric are used to create the sets, props, floor drop, screens, and the custom curtain.