A Vocal Tradition: The Sagettes

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Written by Elyse Beaudoin

Don’t miss Russell Sage’s a cappella  group the Sagettes at their next performance!

Many students at Russell Sage College know of its countless traditions, but for some students in their freshman year, or for those who have recently transferred, these traditions are still quite foreign. One particular group at Russell Sage has been carrying its traditions for fifty-eight years. They are the Sagettes, a student-run, non-profit a cappella group which performs at many of Russell Sage’s main events and in the local community.

The Sagettes usually consist of twelve to fifteen members that sing traditional and contemporary music with four-part harmonies and vocal percussion. This year’s fifteen members are Mackenzie Holmes, Erin Menzer, Veronica Nunes, Ashley Brennan, Anne Millard, Amanda Hillman, Kathryn Vargo, Hillary Brown, Marina Milman, Sara Anderson, Ericka Diehl, Gabriella Rounds, Samantha Berthoty, Colleen Walls, and Christina Kruder. There were twenty-three who  auditioned for a spot in the Sagettes, but only eight were selected.

For this year, the Sagettes are already planning on singing “Seven Daffodils” (a song of long-standing tradition for the Sagettes), “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers, and “Alma Mater.”

“We are hoping to expand our repertoire, but so far we’ve only had one rehearsal,” said senior Sagette, Veronica Nunes.

The four annual Russell Sage events where the Sagettes can be found performing are Relay for Life, SageFest, the Sagettes’ Holiday Concert, and the Fudgesicle Concert. Some students may have already seen the Sagettes at the Relay for Life on September 3^rd or at SageFest, Russell Sage’s annual street fair that was held on Saturday, September 26^th.

In early December, the Sagettes will perform their annual Holiday Concert. In honor of long-lived traditions, the group will sing “Santa Baby” and “Seven Daffodils.”

Another winter Sagettes performance can be found at the 27^th Annual Troy Victorian Stroll, which will be held on December 6^th from 11am to 5pm. Also at the Stroll will also be more than one-hundred free attractions, including musicians, dancers, magicians, rides, and crafts; be sure to join the Sagettes there at this  festive day for family fun. The Sagettes will also be performing for the Troy community at Troy Night Out on Friday, April 24^th at 5pm.

The Sagettes annual Fudgesicle Concert will be held in April of next year. Not only does the audience receive fudgesicles after the performance, but the Senior Sagettes are honored with farewell songs from their underclass sisters and with senior gifts. Also, the year’s honorary Sagettes are named before the singing of the “Seven Daffodils.” Last year’s honorary Sagette was Brittany Wood.

The Nancy Parker Neumann Sagettes Award, which is given to the member who shows the most dedication, kindness, cheerfulness, caring, and responsibility, is another honored tradition that the Sagettes hold dear. This award is coupled with half of the spring concert proceeds and matched by the student government. Erin Menzer won the award last year.

Over the last fifty-eight years, members of the Sagettes have made TV debuts, sung at the New York World’s Fair, performed at the Collegiate Sounds Invitational, and recorded five albums. This group has carried its traditions and its ear for talent throughout the years and they are most certainly worth a listen.

To hear a sample of the Sagettes performing “Clumsy” visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKccJP7LzjE&featureplayer_profilepage#

Editor’s Note:

You can also follow the Sagettes on Facebook at:

• http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Sagettes/26612482604
• http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=19100992816&ref=ts

And check out their videos on YouTube:

• http://www.youtube.com/user/JennyJRocksMySocks

The new Sagettes Web site:

• http://www.thesagettes.com

1. adviser Says:
   October 28th, 2009 at 8:50 am

   Can’t wait to hear the Sagettes at Relay for Life!!

   [Reply]

2. adviser Says:
   October 29th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

   Rockapella and the Sagettes perform at
   the Voices of the Capital Region
   Presented by Vanderheyden
   Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
   November 14, 2009 7:30 pm

   For more info: http://tinyurl.com/yfuzqaw

   [Reply]