The Colgate Thirteen is an undergraduate all-male a cappella group at Colgate University. Founded in 1942, the group is the oldest a cappella ensemble at the University and the oldest collegiate all-male a cappella group in the United States. Its name honors the thirteen men who founded Colgate in 1819, each contributing thirteen dollars and thirteen prayers.

The Thirteen perform regularly at schools, alumni events, community gatherings, corporate functions, and sporting events nationwide. The group is nationally recognized for performing the U.S. National Anthem at Super Bowl XIII in 1979 and has since maintained a tradition of excellence on both collegiate and professional stages.

Over its history, the Colgate Thirteen has produced thirty albums and developed a diverse repertoire spanning jazz standards, contemporary music, and original arrangements—many written by current members. At any given time, the thirteen most senior members perform as the ensemble, representing first tenor, second tenor, baritone, and bass parts, while a larger membership sustains the group’s continuity and legacy. Members of the group, known as “Thirteeners,” are selected through a competitive audition process and carry forward a tradition of musical excellence, performance, and camaraderie.

The Colgate Thirteen

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Teams

Offices

The Colgate Thirteen

Org chart

Teams

Offices

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