A Rookie’s Reflections on Fall

Glee Club Newsletter

As a junior transfer and Glee Club rookie, my experience joining the group has been somewhat of a unique one. Though it is not unheard of for members to join the club their sophomore, junior, or even senior years, it is certainly not very common. With only four semesters at Notre Dame, I was worried going in that I wouldn’t have enough time to truly experience the culture and gain enough experience to satisfy my desire for integration, but having completed only one semester with the Glee Club so far, I see that my worries were entirely unnecessary. I believe the moment I knew this group was special was when I attended the very first party for us then-uninitiated rookies and watched the group suddenly break out into song and continue the many traditions that make up every aspect of the club. I realized that this group was not just a fun club to join and get together with every once in a while, but something far greater – the backbone of every member’s Notre Dame experience and a group deeply rooted in the school’s classic collegiate identity. This was only the start of my time with the club, of course, and every week brought new experiences, traditions, and friendships. I’m happy to say I don’t have any regrets joining the club, and the many unique experiences like performing before football games, reuniting with 200+ club alumni, touring Canada, singing at pubs, and caroling all across campus have made my experience so far at Notre Dame far more satisfying than I could have ever hoped for. The Glee Club has given me a professional, musical, and social outlet that I will never forget and will always look back on with deep fondness. Though I have only been a member for a few months, I feel as though I have always been there, singing the Alma Mater and Victory March with my brothers in song.

Stephen DiFranko

Glee ClubA Rookie’s Reflections on Fall