Octals

The Octals

Founded in 1996, The Octals are Dickinson's oldest and only all-male a cappella group. They perform two major concerts each academic year, at the end of each semester, and perform at a variety of functions both on-campus and in the community. The group originally consisted of 8 Dickinsonians, but after the first members graduated, The Octals have never again had 8 (usually remaining between 10 and 14 members). The Octals perform a wide variety of music from rock to pop, country to barbershop, and college songs to rap.

Men's Singing at Dickinson College

The College's musical tradition dates back to at least 1858 when the Medal of Honor winner and author, alumni Horatio Collins King wrote the Alma Mater, €œNoble Dickinsonia. The tradition of men'€™s singing at Dickinson can be traced to at least 1868, with the publication of the first yearbook, The Microcosm, in the spring of that year. From then on, Dickinson was graced with the voices of male a cappella groups for an uninterrupted period of over seventy-five years. In 1937 the College published a book titled Songs of Dickinson, which contains over seventy works from Dickinson'€™s past. Following a rapid disappearance during the years of World War II, men’s singing returned to campus in 1952 with the founding a new Glee Club, which the following year made a record of college songs. They recorded another record in 1954 and lasted until the 1970s. For twenty years the limestone walls were devoid of student-run singing, until 1996 when The Octals were founded by eight intrepid young musicians. Now thirteen years old, The Octals are Dickinson's only all-male a cappella group and proudly carry on the torch of men's singing at the College. Every other year, The Octals gather with former members of the Glee Club at Alumni Weekend to cement this tradition and create new ones.

Daniel Jaller '06 entertains crowd with his studly dance moves.

Eddie Krumpotich '06 charms Dickinson with his voice.

A History from the Original Website

In March of 1996 the 8 original members of the Octals rehearsed for the first time. This rehearsal marked the revival of male a capella singing, which had been absent from Dickinson College, since the disbanding of the Men's Glee Club in the early 70's. With the help of Charlie Sellers, an alumni of the Glee Club, the Octals obtained copies of many old college songs and traditional a capella arrangements. These arrangements along with others helped mold and solidify the group. The name was derived from a computer science and/or mathematical term, which denotes base 8 representation of numbers.

The first official Octals concert occurred a short five weeks later on the porch outside the Althouse chemistry building. The music ranged from traditional college songs, to sea chanteys, along with classic doo-wop and few pop ditty's. The concert was well accepted by Dickinson College students and faculty and marked the beginning of the tradition of having an Octals Concert on the last day of classes.

The following summer, The Octals were invited to sing at Dickinson's Alumni weekend, with the alumni members of the Dickinson College Men's Glee Club. After two days of rehearsal the two groups performed together in the packed Rubendall Recital, in the Weiss Center for the Arts. The weekend gave them first hand experience at learning the tradition of glee club singing and allowed them to make some lasting friendships.

The beginning of the 96-97 school year found the Octals back in rehersal directed by member Erik Michael '98. The group had lost member Erik Birkholz '97 and had a tough choice to make : Either change the name... or keep it and face confusion from those with dynamic nummerary skills. They decided to keep the name and made a creed that there was never to be eight members ever again. They continued to practice and work on improving their humor.

During parents weekend they performed a concert in the Union Station (SNAR) in the Holland Union Building. The concert was performed twice over a two hour period with a variety of new arrangements and jokes. Between the two sets member Michael Anderson '97 and student Sue Muller sang lounge songs accompanied by Professor Truman Bullard. The group also performed at the Jazz concert with the Dickinson College Choir and Jazz Ensamble.

On December 12, the final day of classes, The Octals performed their first holiday concert. The concert was almost canceled due to Michael Anderson '97 having an appendectomie less than two weeks before. The Octals would not face defeat though and decided to continue on minus one. Resisting innuendos of the "Sextals" while adjusting to the balance difference the concert went on as planed. It was divided into two sections: One traditional Octals eclectic variety; the other a collection of Christmas songs, including selections by Bach (P.D.Q). The concert went well considering the loss of one of its members.

The December 12, concert also marked the celebration of Saint Swithen's Day, an ancient Celtic holiday celebrating the life and deeds of Charles Horatio Swithen. His birth date is unknown but it is said that he was born a short time before the winter solstice. Keeping with his traditions, The Octals attempt to keep his spirit alive whenever they perform. The members never mention Swithen during their performances, believing his spirit would rest easier knowing they were not imitating him.

The following spring semester found the Octals, recruiting three new members. Their initiation was far from brutal and they fit well into the group. The group also became an official college recognition and began receiving funding from the Student Senate. Performances included: Common Hour; The YMCA International Galla,, The Faculty Banquet, and of course the traditional Spring Concert. The concert was held on Althouse porch, and was similar to the previous years concert, in style and feeling not repitiore. It also was the first official concert for the three new members and the final concert for Michael Anderson '97.

The Freshman Banquet of the class of '01 was the first performance of the Fall '97 semester. While introducing the Alma Mater member, Alex Bloom '99, imitated the beloved President of the College, A. Lee Fritschler. Bloom was not expelled from the school. The Octals also sang the Alma Mater for the Convocation of the College and introduced a new and more Octalesqe version, arranged by member, Erik Michael '98.

Again the Octals performed over Parents weekend. Entering into the Union Station with the same entrance music Elvis used in his legendary performance in Hawaii. The room was filled with many parents and students, some even sat in the hall outside. The concert had many high points including: Erik Michael '98 having the audience laugh at a joke he stole from member Bob Ekey '99; Charlie Donaghy '99 making fun of fellow member Tucker Paine '99; Nick Hemeon '00 actually saying something funny. Other minor highlites of the semester included an appearance at the Dickinson Jazz Concert and a performance at Coolfont Resort in Berkley Springs, West Virginia.

The December Holiday Concert was a galla affair. For the opening for this concert, President A. Lee Fritschler dressed as the ever popular Santa Claus, while being held captive by the Santa Patrol. The concert was the longest single concert for the octals, singing a total of nineteen songs including the encore, which was called for by the rousing applause of the 300 people who attended.

A Little History (from Limestone Cowboys)

In the spring of 1996, the Octals are but a glimmer in a few young Dickinsonians' eyes. Junior Mike Anderson, in accordance with Bob Ekey, addressees the Dickinson College Choir with a request that any men interested in forming an a capella singing group contact him. The first meeting brings together eight men, Mike Anderson, Erik Birkholz, Erik Michael, Tucker Paine, Bob Ekey, John Newton, Charles Donaghy and Glenn Davis, who somehow click and before long create the entity entitled the Octals. The final name in agreed upon after suggestion by Birkholz who explains that it means "eight fractals." The only thing to do now is sing, and sing they do, practicing as much as they can under the direction of Erick Michael (affectionately known as "the professor") to put out their first concert that will establish the group and make the audience love them. Of course, that first concert is a great success, both for the group and for the future of music at Dickinson. Favorites like "Down in the Valley, "Aura Lee," and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" highlight the show, being particular favorites for the audience and for the group. The year ends with high hopes of more performances and more great times.

Over the next few years, the Octals change quite a bit. The alumni weekend in the summer brings together the Octals and the alumni Men's glee Club, who provide the Dickinson songs on this album. The meeting allows the Octals to feel a part of the long tradition of men's singing at Dickinson and fuels the desire to see it continue. That fall marks the loss of the first member, leaving the group with seven singers in all. In the remaining members' best interests, the name is retained with one stipulation, never again can there be exactly eight members of the Octals. Annual events are established for the fall semester including parents' weekend and jazz concert performances as well as the Christmas Concert on the final day of classes. Spring becomes recruiting time and 1997 brings in Nick Hemeon, Alex Bloom, and Dan Bastien, who help to compensate for the loss of senior member Mike Anderson. The following year's events continue to broaden the Octals horizons, establishing the group outside of the Dickinson community with a performance at Elizabethtown's Acapelloza. Though members Davis and Newton are sadly missed (they study abroad for the year)m the group copes and becomes an even bigger sensation. Spring this year brings a fresh, some say naïve, dynamic to the group. The spring concert mixes old and the new, highlights being "Circle of Life," arranged by Bloom and Michael, and a tribute to "the professor" bringing tears to eyes all around a standing ovation from the audience. Rembert assumes the role of "the professor", and the new regime begins full force in the fall of 1998. Those members on sabbatical return for their final year, looking forward to new music, new members and a new dynamic. The semester commences as usual with all the traditional gigs plus a few more; then Ekey suggest the cutting of CD. "Yikes!" They say with enthusiasm, and before they know it, Ekey ahs the funding and the resources for the project.

This is the fruit of not only that project but of the Octals as an established student ensemble. The last three years have seen us at our worst and best, and it has never been easy. What remains constant, regardless of our ups and downs, is that we all have a vested interest in this group and hence, we care a great deal for it, past, present and future. We hope that this recording reflects the Octals as a group of guys who love music and could not be happier to share it both with each other and with the rest of you all out there. Thanks for listening.

The Octals of 2008.

The current senior Octals (Class of '09). From left to right: Maury Joseph, Joey Kirk, Matt Kreger, and Dan Willerth (Andrew Cohen pictured below).

Current Members

Andrew Cohen - 2009 - Ten2

Maury Joseph - 2009 - Bari

Joey Kirk - 2009 - Ten1

Matt Kreger - 2009 - Ten1

Dan Willerth - 2009 - Bass/Bari

George Mazzoli - 2010 - Bari

Tom Henry - 2010 - Ten2/Bari

Bliss McColl - 2010 - Bass

Nick Karwoski - 2010 - Bari

John Allen - 2011 - Ten2

Jordan Reed - 2011 - Bass/Bari

Griff Davis - 2011 - Ten2

Andrew Shine - 2012 - Bari

Former Members

Jim Petrucelli - 2011 - Ten1

Sasho Tomov - 2008 - Ten1

Peter Birney - 2007 - Bari/Bass

Andy Carroll - 2007 - Ten2

Ed Israel - 2007 - Bari/Ten2

Jon Skvarka - 2007 - Bass/Bari

Alex Stout - 2007 - Bass

Eddie Krumpotich - 2007 - Bari/Ten2

Ryan Blaszczak - 2006 - Ten1

Chris Bowen - 2006 - Ten2

Rob Isaacs - 2006 - Ten2

Dan Jaller - 2006 - Ten1

Aaron Margolis - 2005 - Bari

Rob Shaw - 2005 - Bass

Matt Hess - 2004 - Ten1

Dave Lohman - 2004 - Bass

Glenn Wall - 2004 - Bass

Adam Labadorf - 2003 - Bass2

John Judge - 2003 - Ten2

Ben Falls - 2003 Ten2/Bass1

Garrett Wheeler - 2002 - Bass2

Kevin Robinson - 2002- Ten1

Jeff Skonier - 2002 - Bass1

Frank Kanther - 2002 - Ten2/Bass1

James Kelly - 2001 -

Jonathan Na - 2001 -

Nicholas Skowronski - 2001

Nicholas Hemeon - 2000 - Bass/Bari

J. Alex Rembert - 2000 -

Daniel Bastien - 1999 -

Alex Bloom - 1999 -

Glenn Davis - 1999 -

Charles Donaghy - 1999 -

Robert Ekey - 1999 - Bass

John Newton - 1999 -

Tucker Payne - 1999 -

Erik Michael - 1998 - Ten1

Michael Anderson - 1997 -

Discography

"Dickinson College Songs" - Spring 2007

"Limestone Cowboys" - 1998

1) Come Go with Me

2) Dickinson for Aye

3) Dream

4) Workin' on the Railroad

5) Our College Home

6) And So it Goes

7) Wait Till the Sun Shines Nellie

8) Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata

9) Alma Mater

10) Alma Mater '98

11) Tenting Tonight

12) Gotta Mind to do Right

13) My Bonne Lass She Smelleth

14) Goodnight Sweetheart, Fight Fight for Dickinson

15*) The Lion Sleeps Tonight (*unnumbered ghost track)

Winter Concert 2006

The Octals performed in front of a completely full audience in the Anita Tuvis Schlecter Auditorium on December 8, 2006 at 8:00pm. Senior members of the group reported it to be among the largest, most energetic crowds they had ever seen at an a cappella concert. The guest performance was provided by Soulfege, a coed group from Lafayette College. Dr. Robert Massa opened the show with a story about the definition of an "Octal." After the show The Octals had a party at the on-campus Music House, home of Ed Israel and Jon Skvarka, that included The Syrens, some members of Soulfege, and countless groupies.

Show Facts:

- Dr. Massa's son, Daniel, is in Soulfege and arranged When I Fall in Love for The Octals

- Old School Show Medley included the theme songs for the popular 1990s TV shows Hey, Dude!, California Dreams, Saved by the Bell, and Golden Girls

- Every Time We Touch was performed in darkness with glow-sticks and a strobe light.

- Walk the Line included Alex Stout wearing all black and introducing himself, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."

- Mater Alma Mater was performed with Dickinson College clothing on as part of the promotion for the upcoming CD release.

- Ain't Too Proud to Beg included choreographed dance moves for the entire group.

- Up the Ladder was Eddie Krumpotich's last song as an Octal, and also one of his first from his freshman year.

Set List:

Old School Show Medley - Arr. Jon Skvarka

Danny Boy - Traditional

Walk the Line (Johnny Cash) - Arr. Jon Skvarka - Solo, Alex Stout

Four Shades of Gray - Arr. Sasho Tomov - Solos, Andy Carroll, Matt Kreger, Andrew Cohen, and Sasho Tomov

Everything I Have (Clay Aiken) - Arr. Eddie Krumpotich - Solo, Eddie Krumpotich

Every Time We Touch (Cascada) - Arr. Jon Skvarka - Solo, Joey Kirk

-- intermission by Soulfege --

When I Fall in Love (Nat King Cole) - Arr. Daniel Massa

California Dreamin' (Mamas & Papas) - Arr. Ed Israel - Solo, Ed Israel

Thugz Mansion (2Pac) - Arr. Maury Joseph - Solos, Maury Joseph and George Mazzoli

Mater Alma Mater - Erik Michael

Ain't Too Proud to Beg (The Temptations) - Arr. Jon Skvarka - Solo, Jon Skvarka

Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) - Arr. L. Neilissen

Up the Ladder (The Supremes) - Traditional Octals song - Solo, Eddie Krumpotich

Fall Concert 2007

The Octals sing in the Anita Tuvin Schlecter Auditorium (ATS).

Set List:

Intro of the Octals

Sasho speaks on Aura Lee

Aura Lee

Mary Lou

Talk before Dickinson Medley

Dickinson Medley

Boys of Summer

Surfer Girl

Californication

Inside Out

Where'd You Go?

Goodbye My Lover

You Got It

How Far We've Come

This Old Heart of Mine

Tom Henry '10 and Andrew Cohen '09 experience the absolute pleasure of an Octals concert.

Spring Concert 2008

Set List to come.

Matthew Kreger '09 sings that Good Ol' A'Cappella.

John Allen '11 sings with fellow Octals.

Winter Concert 2008

December 4th, 2008: With the return of Joey Kirk, Andrew Cohen, and Matt Kreger, the several legendary Octals that were abroad, The Octals fill almost every seat in ATS yet another time! The Syrens sing "Mother Just Can't Get Enough", "One Voice", and "The Way You Make Me Feel" for the intermission.

Set List:

Kreger Intro

Good Ol' Acappella

Rocket Man

Silhouettes

Handle Me With Care

Pop! Goes My Heart

Swallowed in the Sea

So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday

Mother Just Can't Get Enough & One Voice

The Way You Make Me Feel

Toxic & Ramma Lamma

Africa

Yesterday

Sweetest Girl

Take Me Home

Links

Octals.org [1]

Men's Glee Club [2]