Octals
The Octals
Dickinson's only all-male a cappella group.
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, “Noble 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 ten 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.
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.
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)
