Yale Whiffenpoofs Make Central Florida Tour Stop
Orchestra hosts tuxedoed concert of a capella song and signature wit
(VERO BEACH, FL) March 14, 2022 – The Yale Whiffenpoofs are the Ivy League singing sensations with the funny name. On Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00 PM, the tuxedoed group will make a tour stop in Vero Beach, sponsored by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. The Yale Whiffenpoofs concert at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Avenue, will feature a broad repertoire of exclusively original arrangements– jazz standards, ballads, show tunes, pop and rock music, and humorous numbers. Founded in 1909, The Yale Whiffenpoofs are the world’s oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group. The young singers compete in their junior year for one of just 14 coveted spots. Now touring the United States, The Yale Whiffenpoofs have appeared on numerous television shows, including Glee and NBC’s, The Sing-Off. Their most famous alumnus may be Cole Porter, who sang in the 1913 line-up. The “Whiffs” often performs Porter songs in tribute. Their shows always close with the signature “Whiffenpoof Song,” written in 1909 and recorded by a bevy of recording artists beginning with Rudy Vallee in 1937 and including Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Count Basie, Perry Como, the Statler Brothers, and countless others. $30 advance tickets for adults are available through the orchestra website at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at the orchestra’s official ticket outlet, Marine Bank & Trust, beachside and mainland branches. Tickets at the door are $35. The Yale Whiffenpoofs concert is free for those aged 18 and under or with a student ID. For more information, call toll free to 855-252-7276 or visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Artistic Director, Aaron Collins, can’t wait to welcome The Yale Whiffenpoofs back to Central Florida. Their reputation for fine singing and good natured fun translates to an entertaining audience experience, showcasing perfect harmony, enthusiasm and wit.
“How many musical organizations do you know that have been around for more than a century– with more fans than ever?” asked Collins. “The Whiffs are young, energetic and a blast in performance. Musically, they are the best of the best.”
For more information about the Space Coast Symphony 2021-22 season or the Symphony for Everyone program, visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.
ABOUT THE YALE WHIFFENPOOFS — Established in 1909 and best known for “The Whiffenpoof Song,” the group is composed of seniors 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 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. Since 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. On average, the Whiffenpoofs perform more than 200 concerts across six continents each year. 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. In February 2018, the group announced that it would eliminate its gender restriction and would instead admit singers based on the “TTBB” (Tenor I and II, Baritone and Bass) standards within the world of a cappella singing. Shortly thereafter, tenor Sofia Campoamor became the first-ever female member of the Yale Whiffenpoofs. More about the Whiffenpoofs is available on their website at www.whiffenpoofs.com.
ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability. The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices. The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.
37-year old Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements. LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor. Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.
School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID. In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert (PLEASE NOTE: availability may vary during Covid pandemic). Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 19 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the non-profit organization also has a youth orchestra and provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.
