World Famous Whiffenpoofs Come to Bridgewater

It is a love of music that led to three sold-out shows as Arbor Glen in Bridgewater welcomed the world-famous Yale Whiffenpoofs Tuesday.

“I have heard a lot about them, and that’s the main reason I came,” said Bridgewater resident Joyce Lanigan. “I like a capella music. But the Whiffenpoofs have been famous for years.”

James Wells, CEO of Arbor Glen, said they try to hold artistic programs that enrich the lives of the residents at Arbor Glen, and they opened these performances to both the residents and members of the surrounding community.

Although the shows are free, Wells said, the auditorium will be filled to capacity for all three of them.

“Music is important for the community, enriching lives,” he said. “It is sentimental and social, and there are so many connections. As people age, their appreciation for music deepens.”

The Whiffenpoofs are the oldest collegiate a capella group in the country. They perform all over the world—and are preparing for a world tour beginning Wednesday—with alumni that include Cole Porter.

The group has performed at Lincoln Center, the White House and Carnegie Hall, and on “The Today Show,” “Saturday Night Live” and more.

There are 14 students in the group, and they are all seniors at Yale. The students take a year off after their junior years to travel with the Whiffenpoofs, and are about to embark on a trip all over the world, to 25 countries, including Europe and Asia, in 87 days.

The group performs in retirement communities and schools, for people of all ages throughout an entire year. The sets for each concert varies, said Whiffenpoofs member Max Henke, based on the decisions of the music director, and they gather different songs from their repertoire for each performance.

Wells said there are always great singers in these kinds of groups, and they have had similar performances when they invited the Tiger Tones from Princeton University to perform one year.

In total, 300 people attended the three Whiffenpoofs performances.

“We are not just attracting prospective residents, but residents who are already here,” he said. “We have 200 residents, and 80 in healthcare.”

Pat Garney, of Bridgewater, who does not live at Arbor Glen but has friends who do, said she had never heard the Whiffenpoofs sing before, but was excited for the opportunity.

“It brings back old memories,” she said.

Joanne Polito, of Somerset, said she has heard the group perform before, and she and her husband, Michael, just love the music.

“They’re wonderful,” she said. “I like their music.”

At Arbor Glen—among the people in their 60s, 70s and 80s—Wells said there is a great deal of musical talent as well. A few years ago, he said, they started their own singing group, but had to close it down recently because there weren’t enough members.

“But we have a strong group of musicians in the building,” he said. “And we have an active arts and entertainment program. We have had opera singers, string quartets, this is a good venue for people to play.”

Wells said they arranged this program through a public relations agency, but he was surprised by the response.

“I didn’t think there would be this much wildfire,” he said. “This attracts a lot of people in this age group, and connects generations.”