"We're doing this so that all the groups areunder one umbrella, and share equal enthusiasm andopportunity," Marvin said. "I think the changewill be invigorating."

Maynor agreed.

"RCS is excited about Jim--it will give us avisibility we haven't had before. Of course, we'reconcerned with maintaining our musical and socialintegrity as a women's group," she said. "Butwe're psyched that we're actually going to be putinto motion, rather than stagnating."

While some expressed concern about Marvin'sdemanding dynamism--a striking contrast toTaylor's more laid-back style--many RCS memberssaid they were ready for the transition.

"Some people have expressed concern about thechange, and are worried about having a man as aconductor, but I think it's more empowering to beable to sing really well than to be conducted by awoman and I think we'll sing better under Jim,"said Sarah E. Streck '97.

"I think this will be a good transition, andchange the nature of some of our concerts," sheadded.

The performances aren't the only part of thechoral program which will change, however. The newposition will lead to a more flexible relationshipbetween the two conductors, according to Epps andMarvin.

"This has taken three years to formulate,"Marvin said. "The associate conductor will be ateam position. I'll be doing two-thirds tothree-fifths of the work in any given year, andthe associate conductor will be dealing with therest of it."

But Epps, who has been involved in the processof overhauling the choir management, said thatMarvin will retain top authority, even with themore egalitarian structure. "He will be primusinter pares, first among equals, due toseniority and experience," Epps said.

The choir-conductor relationships will also bemore flexible than they have been in the past.Rather than conducting only Glee Club andCollegium, and leaving RCS to the AssociateConductor, "We'll share the three groups on aproject by project basis--perhaps even on asemester by semester or a year by year basis,"Marvin said.

RCS member Caprice A. Corona '97 said she wasdelighted with the reorganization.

"Personally, I think that the group is readyfor a change. He'll be good for us musically.Bev's personality was unique, but I thinkeverybody is looking forward to the turnover.