The Whiffenpoofs
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Established in 1909, the Whiffenpoofs are an all-male vocal ensemble at Yale University, and the oldest collegiate a cappella group in the US. The group is composed of 14 seniors who audition in their junior year and have often been singing with another a cappella group at Yale. The music direction and business management of the group is conducted by members among those 14, although there is an alumni organization that maintains close ties with the group. They are noted for singing in a harmonious a cappella style. The group has appeared recently on the television shows Jeopardy!, The West Wing, and Gilmore Girls. They travel extensively during the school year and take a three-month-long world tour during the summer months.
Cole Porter was a member of the Whiffenpoofs when he was a student at Yale; the Whiffenpoofs often perform Porter songs in tribute.
"The Whiffenpoof Song" is the title of a popular song. The song had been published in sheet music form in 1909. It became a hit on records first for Rudy Vallee in 1927 and later in 1947 for Bing Crosby.