February 14 has become synonymous with love, affection and romantic gestures. From handwritten letters to extravagant gifts, humans love to love. More than that, though, they love to express their adoration in tangible ways. Some people scoff at the holiday; they might find its meaning to be corny, or they might be nursing a broken heart. I think that for how much of our lives are spent loving other people, one day dedicated to celebrating that love isn’t so bad. But even the biggest supporters of Valentine’s Day have been known to cringe at the humble serenade. I’d argue that from guitars in living rooms to boomboxes outside windows, it is one of the longest standing and authentic ways for one person to share their love with another.
As a holiday, Valentine’s Day traces its origins to both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. One of the most widely accepted theories connects the holiday to St. Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree banning marriages for young men. Eventually executed for his defiance, Valentine was a radiant symbol of love transcending all other things — even the law. Before his death, it is said that he wrote a note to his jailer’s daughter signed, “From your Valentine,” a phrase still commonly used today. By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day had become associated with courtly love, a tradition emphasizing chivalrous and often idealized expressions of passion. Over time, the day became widely recognized as an occasion for lovers to exchange tokens of their endearment, including flowers, chocolates and in more elaborate displays, music and serenades.
Serenading, a poetic and heartfelt tradition, ranges from an intimate moment between two lovers to a grandiose gesture of affection. When you think of serenading, a suitor singing out beneath the balcony or window of his beloved might come to mind. The word “serenade” comes from the Italian “serenata,” meaning “an evening song.” Traditionally, serenades were performed at night as a surprise gesture of admiration and devotion. Now, your (future ex) boyfriend of two weeks strumming beginner chords at you while singing about his undying love for you fits the description. But not all serenades are indicative of long-lasting relationships. The custom gained popularity during the Renaissance period in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, where music was deeply integrated into culture. Figures like troubadours and minstrels played a crucial role in shaping the art of serenading. These wanderers composed and performed heart touching lyrics praising the beauty of their romantic interests.
The 17th and 18th centuries marked the golden age of serenading, when composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert embraced the practice as a musical form. In fact, they transformed serenades into memorable concert pieces that many people still listen to today. Music has a unique ability to capture raw thoughts and emotions in their purest, and most beautiful form. It’s no surprise that serenades have stood the test of time, even if they show up in slightly different ways in modern day.
Two Fordham University vocal groups, the Ramblers and the Satin Dolls, have brought this practice onto our campus. The Ramblers, Fordham’s all male a cappella group, have been doing “Ramblergrams” for years. Students are able to book the group to serenade their friends, or love interests, in advance and the boys surprise the lucky recipient in classrooms, apartments and virtually any other place within walking distance from campus. While some enjoy basking in the affection, others might blush from embarrassment. However, the reviews of these grams are overwhelmingly positive, and most students take advantage of the grams to have fun with their friends rather than to take a bold risk and surprise their crushes.
The Satin Dolls, Fordham’s all-female a cappella group, flipped the script from in person serenades to virtual grams a few years ago, and this change has allowed them to reach a much wider audience. So, through virtual grams, the singers’ families and friends from all over the country are able to support the group. This year, they had 27 grams, and some of the popular song requests included “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar, “At Last” by Etta James and “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele. While each gram costs $7, individuals are encouraged to donate more if they can. The grams started as a way to raise money to support the vocalists and much of what they earn goes towards the albums they put out. Their most recent album, “From Room 105” is out everywhere, and if you’d like to be serenaded in person by these stunning vocalists, you can see them at the spring concert on April 26 in Fordham Prep.
I’m in strong support of serenades — a playful, joyous way to celebrate Valentine’s Day — romantic or not. And the practice isn’t isolated to just romance either. Truly, what are Christmas Carolers knocking on your door to warm up your evening and loved ones belting different keys of “Happy Birthday” as you blow out your candles, if not people serenading you? Valentine’s Day is no different, even if the day is tinged pink. But, in the spirit of showing love, I think we should bring back serenading as a romantic practice, regardless of how corny it may seem. There is a reason some of the best declarations of love are in the lyrics of our favorite songs: music harnesses honesty in a compelling way. If you have your eye on someone by the time next February rolls around, shoot your shot and sing a song — or ask the Ramblers and Satin Dolls to do it for you.
