You never know where they might show up on the Saint Ambrose University campus. The male acapella, student ensemble known as Bee Sharp.
The popularity of the group continues to grow among students and in the community as they entertain audiences. Whether singing traditional Celtic tunes, or more contemporary songs, the ensemble brings an excitement and passion to their performances. Recently, they entertained students in the lobby of the Galvin Fine Arts Center, singing In The Still of The Night.
Doctor Keith Haan is the director. He started an acapella group on campus several years ago. Bee Sharp is an audition ensemble that rehearses three times a week.
The ensemble also showcases one of the best penny whistle players in the world, Dan Vaughn.
Forerunners to Bee Sharp were ensembles named Five Deep and Reinforcement. Five Deep was organized in the fall of 2000. Their first performance was to sing the National Anthem at Fighting Bee football games. They were such a hit that they continued to sing at home games for the next few years.
In the spring of 2003, the group got bigger and selected a new name, Reinforcement.
Recently, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Bee Sharp performed eight times. The group says the key to their success is lots of practice. Doctor Haan says the focus always needs to be on good singing. Bee Sharp. Success. One song at a time!
