Campus Life

Singing Cadets Perform For George H.W. Bush, Former British Prime Minister John Major

May 22, 2017

Singing cadets pose with Bush family and John Major
The Singing Cadets completed their tour of the northeast by joining former President George H.W. Bush, former First Lady Barbara Bush and Former British Prime Minister John Major at their home in Kennebunkport, Maine, on May 20. (Evan Sisley)
By Sondra White, Texas A&M University Division of Student Affairs 

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush hosted the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Singing Cadets at their home in Kennebunkport, Maine, on May 20 as part of the former president’s birthday celebration. Former British Prime Minister John Major and other longtime friends of the Bush family also attended the performance. Bush turns 93 on June 12.

Singing Cadets perform
The Singing Cadets perform at the JFK Library.

The visit was part of a four-day Singing Cadets’ tour of the Northeastern United States that also included a May 19 televised appearance on Fox and Friends. The Singing Cadets also performed on the network’s “After the Show” segment, during which Fox and Friends host Ainsley Earhart interviewed Director David Kipp.

The group will complete its tour in Boston today with a performance at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library—part of a commemorative event to honor the 100th anniversary of Kennedy’s birth.

“Singing for the president and Barbara Bush along with Sir John Major was a life-changing experience. At the conclusion of the concert, Sir John Major gave an impromptu speech about nationalism versus patriotism, and how we have it right ‘on this side of the pond,'” Kipp said. “Sixty-two young men will be forever changed by those two hours spent with those two men and one woman who changed the world through their selfless service, leadership and integrity.”

Part of the Department of Music Activities within the Division of Student Affairs, the Singing Cadets is Texas A&M’s premier men’s chorus. Through choral performances and activities, this student organization aims to develop disciplined leaders of character and enhance the public understanding of Texas A&M. During the past 20 years, the group has performed on six continents, with more than 100 appearances during the 2016-2017 academic year.

Visit singingcadets.tamu.edu to hear recordings of the Singing Cadets, order CDs, or learn more about the group. Donate online at give.am/SupportSingingCadets, or contact Torii Kapavik, director of development for the Division of Student Affairs, at tkapavik@txamfoundation.com.

Department of Music Activities

Part of the TAMU Division of Student Affairs, the Department of Music Activities serves more than 1,300 students each year, offering them opportunities to participate in a wide variety of musical activities, such as formal concerts, travel overseas and intricate marching drills.

Texas A&M University Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs supports Texas A&M University by providing exceptional services, facilities, and programs that promote student success, embody the Aggie spirit, and foster a diverse and inclusive campus community to deepen the understanding and individual application of the Aggie Core Values – excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service.

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