Singing the same song
A T-shirt brings together six musical alumni

By Ashley Ferguson

(Photos courtesy of Vincent Briley) 

In August 2005, good friends Vincent Briley, BSS '97, and Kevin Leo Welsh, BSS '03, began rehearsing for Opera Columbus' production of "Aida." The musical, which Briley described as one of the largest to hit the capital city, required more than 200 cast members; six had something very interesting in common.

"When you wear something from OU, it draws a lot of attention," he says, recalling the day when a T-shirt sparked a conversation among cast members. "Leo and I already knew we were both from OU, but there were a lot of younger folks who we didn’t know went to OU."

After people started talking, Briley discovered six Bobcats were involved in the opera and three of the six were also Singing Men of Ohio alumni.

"Aida" Bobcats included: Welsh, the official anthem singer for the Columbus Blue Jackets; Briley, a doctoral student at Ohio State University; Lamar Hylton, a graduate student at Ohio University; Dan Croake, BMUS '01 and MM '05, who teaches music in Cincinnati; Samantha Mastrian, MM '03, who teaches in Granville; and Carolyn Lee, MM '04.

It took the cast about a month and a half to prepare for performances, Briley says.

"We rehearsed five nights a week," he says. Because rehearsals would last six to eight hours, the "Bobcat Posse" would grab food together or hang out on breaks, and then reminisce and tell stories. "We'd find out how small the world is -- especially if you went to Ohio University."

Though their times at the university span over 10 to 15 years, "we still all look upon it warmly," Briley says. "We had a powerhouse program. I can look back teary-eyed and remember the (Singing Men of Ohio's) green tuxedos and bow ties. We really took music seriously."

"Aida" had not been performed in Columbus in 20 years, and this performance, from Sept. 30 through Oct. 20, kicked-off the silver anniversary celebration for the opera company. Most of the Ohio University alumni performed in the chorus.

"Historically speaking, it was one amazing opportunity and experience," Briley says.

As for future performances, some of the "Bobcat Posse" auditioned for Opera Columbus' "The Threepenny Opera," currently in production.

"We expect that we'll continue to get together," Briley says. "We just have that spirit at OU; we can do a variety of things and do them very well."

Ashley Ferguson, BSJ '06, is a student writer with University Communications and Marketing.

Posted 1-13-06