Yale Whiffenpoofs

The Yale Whiffenpoofs
Background information
Genres	A cappella
Years active	1909–present
Website	whiffenpoofs.com

The Yale Whiffenpoofs are a collegiate a cappella singing group. Established at Yale University in 1909, it is the oldest such group in the United States. The line-up changes each year, and former members include Cole Porter. The Whiffenpoofs perform near the Yale campus and tour the United States and internationally.

Established in 1909 and best known for "The Whiffenpoof Song", the group is composed of senior men who compete in the spring of their junior year for 14 spots. The Whiffs' best-known alumnus may be Cole Porter, who sang in the 1913 line-up; the group often performs Porter songs in tribute.

The Whiffenpoofs have performed for generations at a number of venues, including the Lincoln Center, the White House, the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Oakland Coliseum, Carnegie Hall and the Rose Bowl. The group has appeared on such television shows as Jeopardy!, The Today Show, Saturday Night Live, 60 Minutes, Gilmore Girls, The West Wing, and Glee. In December 2010, the group appeared on NBC's a cappella competition The Sing-Off; they were eliminated fourth, on the second show.

During the school year, the Whiffenpoofs perform on Monday nights at Mory's, known more formally as "Mory's Temple Bar," circulating from room to room. Beginning in 2010, the group sings on Wednesdays at New Haven's Union League Café.

The Whiffenpoofs travel extensively during the school year and take a three-month world tour during the summer. The group's business manager and musical director, known in Whiff tradition respectively as the "Popocatepetl" and "Pitchpipe," are chosen by members of the previous year's group. An alumni organization maintains close ties with the group.

...
Wikipedia