In 1968, Yellow Submarine, a film described as an “animated jukebox musical fantasy adventure comedy film inspired by Beatle songs,” was released. Now a cult classic, it symbolically portrays music as a powerful force that overcomes negativity and brings people together. This theme runs throughout the film, and (SPOILER ALERT!) in the final scene, John Lennon provides advice on preserving harmony: “There’s only one way to go out – Singing!”
Could Director Emerita Bonnie Roberts have taken a cue from Lennon when, 20 years later, she founded the Naperville Men’s Glee Club (NMGC), an organization with the mission of S.I.N.G.: Seek musical excellence, Inspire audiences, Nurture youth, and Give to the community? Well, probably not, but the nonprofit she gave birth to certainly upholds his message.
Since its launch, NMGC has been uniting singers and audiences in auditoriums, churches and senior facilities in local and out-of-state locations. It is currently planning Men Sing! Choral Festival, a free, all-day event open to male singers. Set for Sat., April 12, at Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Road, the program starts at 8AM and includes professionally led workshops, networking sessions, and performance rehearsals, and then culminates with a public concert featuring workshop attendees and guest groups at 3PM. Tickets ranging from $10 to $15 are available online at napervillementsgleeclub.org.
Men of high school age and older are welcome to sign up and can register at the door on the morning of the event or pre-register online. Participation is free, and registrants will receive music scores and lunch at no cost.
NMGC also has an ongoing call for artists. “Singers interested in the group can attend one of our quarterly open rehearsals or show up and sit in on any rehearsal,” said Dave Mueller, NMGC president. “If they are interested in joining, John Rakes, our music director, will conduct a brief audition to assess which vocal part would fit them.”
Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 7:30PM to 9PM at the Church of the Brethren, 1020 W. Jefferson Ave. As suggested on NMGC’s Facebook page, take a test drive and see what it is like to sing with the club.
Men Sing! Choral Festival
- 8AM to 4PM Sat., April 12, 2025
- Concert at 3PM, doors open at 2:45PM)
- Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Road
- Free for singers | Admission runs from $10 to $15
- Tix: napervillemensgleeclub.org
NMGC is supported by an Illinois Art Council’s Regional Art Partnership grant through DuPage Foundation.
