A movie medley spanning the decades from the '30s to the '80s will highlight the Singing Lions performance Thursday.

Although the Singing Lions have existed since 1979, the group has changed over the decade in several ways. In 1985, the group's name was changed from the Pop Choir to the Singing Lions because its members decided "Singing Lions" better reflected the University. In the same year, Peter Kiefer took over as the director.

"(The members) develop confidence in themselves and discipline that they can use later in life," Kiefer said of the group's role.

At 12:10 p.m. Thursday, the group will display its musical versatility by performing as part of the Bach's Spring Lunch Concert Series at Eisenhower Chapel. The School of Music and the University Lutheran Parish is sponsoring the recital.

Rosanette Abrams (junior-economics), vice president of Singing Lions, has been a member for three years. She said her participation in the group has been one of the greatest experiences of her University life.

"It was the first place that I found friends in Penn State," she said.

Abrams said the group has grown in size and the music has become more challenging since she became a member. She added that all of the numbers are now choreographed by a professional choreographer.

Kiefer said that at the beginning of this semester, more than 60 candidates auditioned for the group. About 24 were selected, he said.

"The group becomes very tight because of the number of hours spent practicing," Kiefer said.

Rehearsals are twice a week and more are scheduled if needed. Members receive one credit for Singing Lions by enrolling in Music 85, he said.

"(Singing Lions is) a good opportunity for people who like to perform in a group," said A. J. Laird (freshman-performance theater arts).

Singing Lions president Marty Egna (senior-general arts and sciences), said his participation in the Singing Lions has been important.

"It's been the single most influential experience of my life at Penn State," he said.

Egna said most of the shows on the spring schedule are out of town, including Penn State Alumni Clubs, commonwealth campuses, high schools, music departments and conventions. During spring break, the group will perform for alumni clubs and members' former high schools as it heads west toward its final stop in Chicago.