So when the choral ensemble graced the stage of the Dunedin Town Hall for the university’s halftime graduation entertainment, there might have been both some relief that there was no profanity, and some disappointment that there was no profanity.
The ensemble sang Oh, Danny Boy.
Sextet leader Alex Clarkson said in their usual performances they often changed the words to well-known songs, but when it came to graduation ceremonies, they tended not to do their parodies.
"Just because they can get a bit rude. We try to keep away from that.
"At graduations, we’re a bit more discerning — we like to just go and sing something lovely and pretty, for everyone who’s there to graduate.
"We try to sing Scottish and Irish hymns — pieces that stem from the roots of the university.
"We got a good reaction from the crowd. And I think there were some people who were surprised that there were no swear words in the song.’’
For more than 100 years, the singers had been selected by audition, and usually came from choral or theatre backgrounds, he said.
Those wanting to hear their more X-rated versions of popular songs can attend their Capping Shows on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week, from 7pm.
"Mostly, it covers university life; politics is a big one for us this year — mostly American politics, so we’ve got songs about Donald Trump, the wars, all the stuff with the senators and Epstein — that whole scandal area.
"I don’t want to give too much away. I’ll leave it up to people’s imagination, yeah.’’
