On a cold January night in 1909, five members of the Yale Glee Club met up at Mory’s Temple Bar in New Haven. This impromptu gathering soon became a weekly opportunity to improvise harmonies and revel in song. Eventually, the group, which grew to 14 members, became known as the Whiffenpoofs. The group’s name comes from a joke about a mythical creature, fitting for the group’s playful atmosphere. Now, over 100 years later, the Whiffs, as they are affectionately called, are the oldest collegiate a cappella group in the US, performing over 200 concerts a year around the world.
O68 Describe the audition process – how are the selections made?
W The audition process takes place over one weekend in February. Juniors audition for the group in one 25-minute session, which includes range tests, ear training exercises, learning an excerpt of a Whiffenpoofs arrangement on the spot, singing a prepared excerpt with the group, and performing two solos – one from our repertoire and one personal choice solo.
O68 You commit to taking an entire year off from school. Is this a decision that affects your academics?
W The short answer is no, not much! Yale allows us to take a one-year leave of absence, with no questions asked, and then we pick up where we left off.
O68 Tell us about the decision for the Whiffenpoofs, historically a men-only group, to go co-ed in 2018.
W The Whiffs decided that someone’s gender should not bar them from the opportunity to be a Whiffenpoof, an experience that is unique due to the Whiffs’ long history and the touring opportunities made possible by the gap year. Insofar as The Whiffenpoofs are a symbol of Yale and travel the world as unofficial ambassadors of the school, the decision was a step towards more closely representing Yale, which has been co-ed for many years. On a musical note, the admission of 4 women into the 2025 class has made us quite dynamic in the sets we are able to put together, both in terms of solo interpretations and ensemble singing.
O68 How many of the current Whiffs plan on pursing a career in music?
W Seven Whiffenpoofs plan to pursue a career in various parts of the music industry, including composing, conducting, choral singing, production, education, as well as writing and performing. Other Whiffs are eyeing a variety of paths including anti-trust law, education policy, and software engineering.
O68 What do you consider to be the biggest benefit of being a Whiff?
W There are many: the travel (18 countries on 6 continents during our world tour), the friendships, and getting to sing challenging arrangements with incredibly talented singers. One particularly meaningful part of the experience is getting to tour in each member’s hometown and get to know their family and friends and often visit their high school.