 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
The Yale Spizzwinks | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | New Haven, Connecticut |
| Genres | A Cappella |
| Years active | 1914,[1] 1940–present[2] |
| Members | Tenor I Abril Tello Cornejo '27 Clark Wu '27 Clementine Kline '29 Harry Pambianchi '29 Tenor II Gbemiga Salu '27 Nate Stein '28 Jonny Duncan '29 Frogby Sachs '29 Baritone John Raskopf '27 Eason Rytter '27 Max Ondik '28 William Wei '28 Ezra Zbar '28 Frank Petty '29 Bass Eshaan Giri '27 Jiayang Jin '27 Brennan Ujda '28 Josh Sugino '29 Pitchpipe Nate Stein Business Managers Abril Tello Cornejo Clark Wu |
| Website | http://www.spizzwinks.com |
The Spizzwinks, stylized asThe Spizzwinks(?), are ana cappella singing group of undergraduates fromYale University. Founded in late 1913, the Spizzwinks(?) are the oldestunderclassman a cappella group in the United States, dating back to a first performance in early 1914.[1][3]
Composed of roughly sixteen people, with exact numbers depending on the year, the Spizzwinks perform concerts and teach masterclasses through extensive international and domestic touring schedules. Through four principal tours each year, during Yale College's fall, winter, spring and summer recesses respectively, the Spizzwink Promise guarantees each member that they will tour on six continents and in their hometown during their three years in the group. The group is a501(c)(3)non-profit organization.[4]
In 1913, four young men met atMory's Temple Bar, Yale's historic tavern, to create a light-hearted alternative to the more seriousWhiffenpoofs (composed solely of Yale College seniors).[5] They decided upon the "Spizzwinks," a reference to a mythical creature to which the Corn Blight of 1906 had been whimsically attributed. Because the editor of the Yale Banner was unsure how to spell the fledgling group's name, he added a question mark in parentheses to the headline announcing its foundation. The group liked the look of "Spizzwinks(?)" and has officially adopted the symbol as both a part of its name and as a logo.[5]
The 'Winks repertoire comprises music arranged entirely by current and former members of the group, including a mixture of traditional Yale songs, songs by composers such asGeorge Gershwin,Cole Porter,Leonard Bernstein, and more modern artists likeQueen,MIKA,fun.,The Beatles, andAdele.[6] The group values a signature "laugh of loud" humor, and a typical concert includes a variety of skits and other comedy.
Each year, the Spizzwinks(?) perform over 100 concerts across the nation and around the world, typically in jeans and t-shirts, Yale regalia or white tie.[7] They have performed at theWhite House,Madison Square Garden,Carnegie Hall,US State Department, professional sporting events, as well as at country clubs, yacht clubs, churches, schools, and resorts.[8] The group sells CDs and other merchandise to raise funds for their touring, as they are completely self-funded.[9]
Of all the underclassman a cappella groups which feed into the Whiffenpoofs, the 'Winks have sent more singers to the all-senior group than any other. This, along with their robust performance and touring schedule has given 'Winks a strong reputation at the college and beyond. Some notable alums include:
The Spizzwinks(?) have published 34 full-length albums and one EP. Today, they publish an album every two years, giving every member the opportunity to sing on at least two professionally recorded albums with the group.
*Upon the release of a full-lengthMind the Gap album, the EP of the same name was retroactively withdrawn from most streaming services.
Located in:New Haven, Connecticut | |||||||||||
| People |
|  | |||||||||
| Schools |
| ||||||||||
| Campus | |||||||||||
| Residential | |||||||||||
| Library and museums | |||||||||||
| Research | |||||||||||
| Athletics |
| ||||||||||
| Artistic |
| ||||||||||
| Traditions | |||||||||||
| Publications | |||||||||||
| Student Life | |||||||||||
| Programs | |||||||||||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
