This important rite of passage was established by Acting President Frank Bailey in 1956 in an effort to more deliberately initiate the incoming classes to the traditions and lore of Kenyon. The songs were first taught and led by Dr. Paul Schwartz, Kenyon's first professor of music, and subsequently by Dr. Frank Lendrim, Kenyon's second professor of music. We can assume, then, that the first Senior Sing occurred after Baccalaureate in 1960, an event which provides a profoundly moving "bookend" to a student's undergraduate career at Kenyon.
From both written records and from photographic evidence in the Archives, there was no booing, screaming or other inappropriate behaviors tied to this event in the early years. Retired Dean of Students Tom Edwards recalls that this began to change in the late 1970s. The deplorable actions of upperclass students escalated to the point that in 1989 the Administration felt that Kenyon could no longer sponsor the event. Dr. Benjamin Locke dutifully taught the Kenyon songs to the Class of 1993 that year, but the entire College was informed that the public portion of the Sing was canceled.
However, upon the conclusion of the final rehearsal at the Convening Dinner, a first-year student named Kelley Wilder stood up on a table in Peirce Hall, defying the authority of all the faculty and deans in attendance, and announced she was not going to be the first freshman in decades not to sing the Kenyon songs on the steps of Rosse. The entire class roared its support and followed her across Ransom Green and triumphantly took ownership of their Sing, effectively preserving the tradition for thousands of students over the past twenty years.
We have seen a consistent improvement in the nature of this tradition, but we wish to remind the Kenyon community of the importance of this event (seeing how the Senior Sing and the Alumni Sing are intrinsically connected to the First-Year Sing), as well as to remind everyone of its fragility. To this end, we share again the ground rules that have worked well to insure successful Sings in recent years:
1. Remember that the Sing is a welcoming activity, a critical component for connecting five decades of Kenyon alumni, employees and current students via a shared musical experience. For many of the frosh this is their first encounter with upperclass students and the larger Kenyon community, and it is essential that we make this meeting *cheerful* (as sappy as that sounds). Specifically: any crowd noise needs to be high pitched, mixed in with clapping and smiling faces. Screaming, jeering and booing is, of course, inappropriate and discouraged. Respect the sanctity of the Sing.
2. Let the first-year students sing; the point is to listen and react to them, not to drown them out. This is especially important in the first song, "Philander Chase," where you, the audience, provide the silly but hilariously essential interjections of "smoked the WHAT?" at the end of the second phrase of the fourth verse, and also clapping your hands twice in rhythm after the frosh sing the words "...and spanked the naughty freshmen well." Watch for cues from Doc Locke.
3. Kindly stay behind the ropes. The renovated Rosse steps require that more of the frosh have to be standing on the ground in front, and they'll need the extra room.
4. Remember that this event establishes the *group* identity of the incoming class. Be particular in NOT singling out individuals (whether they are known to you or not), either when they are on the steps or on their way to the steps of Rosse, and assiduously discourage others from doing so.
5. Avoid using any substance either before or during the Sing that would render you incapable of remembering these rules.
6. Assuming that Doc Locke has done his job properly, the newest class (and a few new administrators!) will successfully complete their rite of passage by the end of the third song. The final song is "Kokosing Farewell," Kenyon's spiritual alma mater ("The Thrill" is still the official one!), and our job as the Kenyon community is to signal our acceptance of the new class by joining with them in the singing of this song. Song sheets will be available from student orientation workers and SAC staff:
Old Kenyon, we are like Kokosing
Obedient to some strange spell,
Which urges us from all reposing,
Farewell, Old Kenyon, fare thee well.
And yet we are not like Kokosing
Which beareth naught upon its swell
But foam of motion's own composing,
Farewell, Old Kenyon, fare thee well.
But when we are far from Kokosing
We still shall hear a calling bell,
When 'round us evening shades are closing,
Farewell, Old Kenyon, fare thee well.
And see a river like Kokosing
In meadows sweet with asphodel,
Where mem'ry dwells dear past supposing,
Farewell, Old Kenyon, fare thee well.
(words by Canon Orville Watson)
We hope that continuing generations of Kenyon students and alumni will take great pride in maintaining this unique and magnificent welcoming tradition at Kenyon College.