Whiffenpoofs in the Land of Grizzlies
The Yale Whiffenpoofs, America’s oldest a cappella group, ran a vocal workshop and gave a stunning performance in Greenwood’s theatre. Lisa Fireman ('22) adds her perspective.
On October 4, Grade 7s, vocal students and members of the Junior Play welcomed some very special guests: the Yale Whiffenpoofs! The Whiffenpoofs are the oldest a cappella group in the United States, founded at Yale University in 1909. Each year, a new group of students takes up the mantle, giving performances in countries all across the world. This year’s group started their world tour in Toronto, including a performance at Greenwood.
In first period, some of the Whiffenpoofs ran a vocal workshop and Q&A session with Greenwood’s vocal students. They worked on moving past just hitting the right notes, looking at how to imbue any performance with emotion. You can check out a video of the choir singing “The Parting Glass” by the Wailin’ Jennys, directed by the Whiffenpoofs.
After the workshop, the Whiffenpoofs got suited up in their traditional tailcoats and took to the stage for a 40-minute a cappella performance. They had incredible range, covering songs both traditional and modern. Highlights included “House of the Rising Sun,” “Anything Goes,” and “TheWhiffenpoof Song,” which closes out every one of their performances. Watch a clip from “House of the Rising Sun” on our Instagram.
After their final number, the Whiffenpoofs opened up the floor for questions. Students were thoughtful, asking how the Whiffenpoofs manage to balance their academics with their a capella, and who arranges the music. Students lingered outside the theatre after the performance, and the Whiffenpoofs gave an impromptu encore, singing “Moondance” in the lobby. It was certainly a magical Greenwood moment.
Thank you to the Whiffenpoofs for wowing Greenwood with your stunning performances!
By Lisa Fireman (‘22)
The Yale University Whiffenpoofs coming to my class was such a fun experience. The girls in the Senior Vocals class prepared a song to perform for the Whiffs. They gave us feedback on our sound, and helped us to improve. They also helped us to imagine the story behind a song and portray a song's meaning.
The Yale University Whiffenpoofs coming to my class was such a fun experience. The girls in the Senior Vocals class prepared a song to perform for the Whiffs. They gave us feedback on our sound, and helped us to improve. They also helped us to imagine the story behind a song and portray a song's meaning.
After our masterclass, the Whiffenpoofs performed for the grade 7s, the junior play cast members, the vocals classes, and the choir. They performed many contemporary songs as well as their infamous “Whiffenpoof Song.” This was an interesting event which I will certainly remember forever.
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The Whiffenpoofs performing in the theatre.
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Before the performance, the Whiffenpoofs ran a vocal workshop for vocal students.
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