The Yale Alley Cats
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The Yale Alley Cats, an all male a cappella group, was founded in 1943 at Yale University. The group’s early repertoire was based in jazz, but its current arrangements cover Motown, pop, folk, and other genres. Each year, the Cats go on three tours, many of them international, performing for public and private audiences.
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[edit] Music
The group, regarded as one of the premiere of its kind, is best known for its vocal blend, the intricacy of its arrangements, and the humor and energy of its concerts, often infused with choreography. The group traditionally opens its performances with the Dixieland classic "The Muskrat Ramble" and closes with Harry Nilsson’s “Coconut.” Their performances have entertained audiences world-wide, including the cast of The West Wing, the United States Ambassadors to China, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic, Martha Stewart on "Martha Stewart Living," Senator Barack Obama, Nathan Lane, Sylvester Stallone, and Angela Bassett.
[edit] History
The Alley Cats were founded in 1943 when, according to the group's history, a quartet of Yale men made a ritual of climbing to the top of Saybrook College tower to sing for passers-by below. The Master of Saybrook College lamented that they resembled a bunch of 'alley cats,' and the group adopted the moniker. Since then the Alley Cats have become one of the most internationally renowned of the collegiate a cappella groups, having sung for several United States Presidents, international diplomats, and Hollywood celebrities.
[edit] Rush
Each year, freshman audition in a multi-week process known as "Rush." In the tradition of all Yale a cappella groups, the current Alley Cats “tap” freshmen of the highest vocal talent, inviting them to sing with the group for three years. Alley Cat alumni maintain strong supportive oversight over each current undergraduate group. "Champagne Jamboree" is the group's annual on-campus concert.
[edit] Leadership
Every spring, the group elects leaders for the upcoming year. These positions include the pitch (music director), business manager, performance director, rush managers, and tour managers.
[edit] Tours
Every year, the group travels to numerous destinations during their winter, spring, and summer breaks. Recent tours include:
Summer 2007
Vilnius, Lithuania
Palanga, Lithuania
Prague, Czech Republic
Warsaw, Poland
Szczecin, Poland
Berlin, Germany
Hamburg, Germany
Bern, Switzerland
Geneva, Switzerland
Leysin, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland
London, England
Spring 2007
Kona, Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii
Napa, California
San Francisco, California
Winter 2006
Santa Barbara, California
Summer 2006
Kona, Hawaii
Tokyo, Japan
Kobe, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Beijing, China
Shanghai, China
Hong Kong
Macau, China
Bangkok, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand
Spring 2006
Miami, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Jupiter Island, Florida
Winter 2005
Whitefield, New Hampshire
Montreal, Canada
