On a Monday night at Plant High School, while many students were finishing the last hours of a three-day weekend, a group of Plant a cappella singers stepped onto the stage for a once in a lifetime opportunity few high school performers ever experience — opening for The ‘Whiffenpoofs,’ the world-renowned a cappella group from Yale University.
The Whiffenpoofs are America’s oldest and most celebrated collegiate a cappella group, founded in 1909 at Yale University.
The group is known for close-harmony singing without instruments. Their repertoire blends traditional Yale songs, jazz standards, pop arrangements, and other classics, all delivered with polished vocal technique and showmanship. Their signature closing piece, “The Whiffenpoof Song,” became nationally famous and has been recorded or referenced by artists like Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby and Rudy Vallée.
Today, the Whiffenpoofs perform more than 200 concerts a year around the world, touring six continents and appearing in prominent venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. They have also been featured on television shows like Saturday Night Live, The Today Show, and The West Wing.
Though historically all-male, the group began welcoming singers of all genders in recent years, reflecting evolving campus culture.
The Whiffenpoofs are currently in the midst of their 2025–26 touring season, performing across the United States this winter and spring before heading overseas later in the year.
On March 2, a combination of members from Plant’s student-led a cappella groups, Pawcappella and Pink Panthers, performed two arrangements: “Forget You” by CeeLo Green and “Satellite” by Harry Styles to open the Whiffenpoof concert.
The concert was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church from 7 to 8 p.m. An audience filled with fans and family members created a passionate atmosphere.
Pawcappella member Elysette Pyfrom (9) shared what excited her most about opening for the Whiffenpoofs.
“I was excited to see what a college a cappella group would look like and getting to hear what songs they will perform,” Pyfrom says.
For a growing student, having the opportunity to perform alongside the Whiffenpoofs can be incredibly uplifting.
“I felt inspired to keep singing after high school,” Pyfrom says.
Senior Bella Arad, who plans to continue pursuing music at the University of Florida’s School of Music, was proud to represent Plant during such an incredible opportunity.
“It means a lot to me because not many people can say they did something like that in their high school career. It feels good to know that we were out there representing Plant,” Arad says.
“It makes me want to definitely do a cappella in college and continue to perform for others. Getting into the UF School of Music is going to lead me to be very involved in the music department,” Arad says.
The Whiffenpoofs are highly respected in the collegiate a cappella world, with more than a century of tradition behind them.
They attract audiences across age groups and global communities, providing Plant students with a wide-reaching platform to showcase their talent.
Performing before such a seasoned ensemble can be inspiring and educational for young singers, highlighting what is possible in vocal performance and ensemble work.
Pawcappella and Pink Panthers continue their year of music and memories as they prepare for their upcoming A Cappella Showcase at Plant High School on Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m.