On Monday, April 12, students were treated to a special performance by the Spizzwinks(?), an accappella group from Yale, including  Hopkins alum Ben Watsky '08

The Spizzwinks(?) (and yes (?) is part of their name) entertained assembly with their performance, which was both comical and pitch-perfect. They sang Landed, by Ben Folds and Sixteen Tons, by Tennessee Ernie Ford to name a few. The funny performance was a perfect way to start the week, and the whole assembly were glad to see Ben Watsky back on campus.

To learn more about the Spizzwinks(?) visit their Winkipedia page.

A little Spizzwinks history:

The Yale Spizzwinks(?) are America's first underclassman a cappella group. Since 1914, we've entertained audiences around the world with our unique blend of sweet harmony and tongue-in-cheek humor.

 

History of a cappella

A long, long time ago, a cappella did not yet exist on Yale's campus or anywhere else in the world. New Haven was a veritable black hole of musicianship and camaraderie. In 1909, a light emerged from the darkness when, with much Pomp and Circumstance, four members of the Yale Glee Club formed the Yale Whiffenpoofs. Though musically excellent, the Whiffenpoofs were, to be frank, a bit dull. And so, the Spizzwinks(?) were born late in 1913 to provide musical excellence with a light-hearted air. Read the story of our founding below.

Since then, collegiate a cappella has evolved and grown into a phenomenon beyond its humble beginnings. Today, a cappella has swept the nation, with hundreds of groups at universities across the country performing in every style from Barbershop to contemporary pop.

 

Our founding at Mory's Temple Bar

One night, late in 1913, four young Yale freshmen met at Mory's Temple Bar, Yale's historic tavern, to pick a name for their new singing group. This new group was created to provide audiences with the musical quality of the Whiffenpoofs, but with a more light-hearted air. After thinking and drinking (perhaps more drinking than thinking), one of them glimpsed the ghost of Frank Johnson - the postmaster of his small Iowa hometown. Mr. Johnson had gained notoriety in this town when he attributed the Great Corn Blight of 1906 to a mythical insect called the Spizzwink (which only he could see). The singer jumped up at once. "That's it!" he shouted. "We'll call the group ‘The Spizzwinks.’" That year, the editor of the Yale Banner was unsure of the spelling of the fledgling group and added a question mark in parentheses. The group liked the look of "The Spizzwinks(?)" and the parenthetical question mark is still with us today.

From its historic beginnings at Mory's, the Spizzwinks(?) tradition continues on as one of America's oldest male choirs. Over the course of their ninety-five-year history, the 'Winks have left blissful memories of music, humor and fun for audiences and members alike.