Whiffenpoofs: Making beautiful music for a cause
Yale’s Whiffenpoofs, the oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group, had an appreciative crowd showing up on time for their recent gratis performance that benefited Santuario de San Antonio’s JPIC Scholarship Program.
Originating in 1909 with composer/songwriter Cole Porter as its most famous alumnus, the Whiffs continue to share their passion. Yearly auditions are open only to incoming senior Yale a cappella singers, with only 14 members chosen to perform for a year. Upon graduation, a new batch is chosen all over again. And yes, it has remained an all-male group that has withstood gender liberation in the 21st century.
A one-year commitment includes intensive rehearsals, regular public appearances, and a three-month world tour to various US cities, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Singing and laughter are an integral part of their performance since the Whiffenpoofs do not want to take themselves too seriously, but continue to perform in their elegant white ties and tails (complete with white gloves) — the same formal ensemble that has been worn over a hundred years ago by their forebears. Even the name they chose is of a mythical dragonfish.
The repertoire encompasses 100 years of songs that include Cole Porter’s Too Darn Hot to Stevie Wonder’s You are the Sunshine of My Life, which had us singing along with gusto. Every member presents a solo or two with their beautifully blended tenor, baritone, and bass voices. Following a 100-year-old tradition, the official Whiffenpoof anthem is performed at the end of every concert and has even been recorded by popular artists Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Perry Como, Louis Armstrong, among others.
Noticing that there were only 12 members present, former Whiffenpoof alumnus (and current ADB vice president for Asia and the Pacific Stephen Groff mentioned that two members were absent because they had to go for their job interviews in the US while the rest of the singing group proceeded with their world tour. Nevertheless, their outstanding performance converted us into diehard fans.
The JPIC scholarship started in 1997 to assist marginalized youth with their academic and technical needs so they could lead productive lives after graduation. It also provides values formation to enable young people to be good citizens at home, in school, their communities, and workplace. Not only will the scholar’s life be enhanced but core values will hopefully be assimilated by their families.
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For more information and donations, call JPIC, c/o Miss Jackie, at 843-8830; visit the JPIC office at Santuario de San Antonio, 3117 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati, or email ssap_info@yahoo.com.
