This year's Spectacular, "Can't Stop the Beat," will be jam-packed with performances and surprises such as alumni and current members uniting on stage, as well as video clips of past performers. Planning was crucial to pull off this multifaceted performance that will honor the group's 40 years, said Jeffrey Carter, University Singers director.

"Most every aspect of our show is a tribute to months of planning, scheming, dreaming, tugging, cajoling and finally winning by a talented cast of students," he said.

Forty years ago, founding director Donald Neuen began auditions and rehearsals for a new Ball State performing group. He instilled in his 27 performers that they must be "completely outstanding, not just acceptable."

In January 1965, the group's dedication resulted in a debut at Indianapolis' Clowes Memorial Hall to a standing-room-only crowd.

The group performed its first Spectacular in 1966 as a season grand finale of choreography, singing and music that helped raise money for scholarships.

Today, University Singers consists of a 20-member glee club, a 10-piece orchestra, sound and lighting technicians and a support staff. The group performs up to six traveling shows a semester as well as a full-scale concert tour once every four years.

This concert will be the highlight of a 40th anniversary reunion of the group. The reunion will kick off at 8 p.m. April 2 with a casual gathering at the Alumni Center. The reunion will continue Saturday afternoon with a luncheon, informal gatherings, a group photo, rehearsal for the finale and a party at the Alumni Center following the show.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Carter at (765) 285-3599 or jcarter2@bsu.edu.)