Carrying on the proud 23-year Penn State tradition, the Glee Club will perform its annual Blue and White concert this Saturday.

But this year's edition will be somewhat different than in years past, thanks to the induction of new Director Christopher Kiver.

"I think it's been great," Glee Club Vice President Jon Badalamenti (junior-biochemistry and molecular biology) said. "[Kiver's] exposed us to a lot of new repertoire. The vast majority is pieces we've never seen before."

The annual concert is held in conjunction with the Blue-White football game, and both activities draw a lot of alumni, Kiver said. Last year's concert had a particularly large alumni turnout due to the retirement of 35-year Glee Club Director Bruce Trinkley.

"The alumni came up on stage and sang the fight song and alma mater with us," Glee Club President Mike Curci (senior-finance) said.

The alumni came from across the country, with graduating dates as far back as 1949, Badalamenti said.

Kiver said he is optimistic about this year's Blue and White concert as well.

"The Glee Club is always guaranteed to please," he said.

The Glee Club is the oldest student organization on campus and is composed of about 65 men, many of whom are not music majors. Within the club are small subdivisions, such as the Hi-Lo's and the Varsity Quartet, which require further auditions.

Both subgroups will be performing pieces at the concert in addition to the numbers presented by the entire Glee Club, Kiver said. The concert's first half will feature selections by all club members, followed by about five pieces by the Hi-Lo's, Kiver said. After intermission, the Varsity Quartet will entertain, ending with a rousing finale from all the men.

Kiver said another highlight of the night will be a piece by Schubert, with accompaniment by mezzo-soprano soloist Jennifer Trost and pianist Sue Haug.

"It will be exciting," Kiver said. "This is the first time we've all worked together."

The selections featured in Glee Club concerts are typically from a variety of genres. Past selections have included classical requiems, gospel tunes and pop favorites such as "Love Potion No. Nine," Kiver said.

"We strive to sing serious music well, but at the same time, it's meant to be music presented in an entertaining manner," he said.

This concert is the only major on-campus Glee Club concert of the semester. Last semester, the club held its annual Homecoming concert.

Curci said he is looking forward to the performance.

"This is music we've been working on all semester," Curci said. "It's our only formal concert of the semester at home, so it's special."

In addition to its twice-weekly practices, the club has also done a number of other performances. The Glee Club traveled to Texas during spring break for concerts in the Lone Star State. The club has also performed at alumni events and sang the national anthem at a women's volleyball game, Kiver said.

The Glee Club's large alumni following helps keep its heritage going strong. A new alumni interest group is "being facilitated for better alumni contact," Curci said.

At last year's Blue and White concert, about 100 alumni were present, Kiver said. He said he is excited to be involved with an organization so steeped in Penn State tradition.

"It's a challenge and a joy to carry on the musical and fraternal traditions," he said. "It's been wonderful to work with this talented group of men with such a strong and rich heritage."