The Society of Orpheus and Bacchus

History

On October 31, 1938, twelve Yale undergraduates gathered at Mory's Temple Bar to form an alternative a cappella group to the Yale Whiffenpoofs. The group capitalized on a back-handed compliment received from an audience member: "These SOBs are good!" and formed a backronym.

Music and comedy

The society’s repertoire, which contains over 200 arrangements, is composed entirely of music arranged by current and former members of the group during its more than seven decades of existence. It spans a variety of genres from barbershop to jazz to songs by more contemporary artists like Queen, MIKA, Radiohead, Amy Winehouse, Tenacious D, Jason Mraz and Michael Bublé. In addition to singing, the group prides itself on its comedy, with a typical concert including shtick written by members of the group. Each year, the Society of Orpheus and Bacchus performs across the USA and around the world, typically wearing tuxedos or suits with custom group neckties. They have performed at the White House, La Fortaleza in Puerto Rico, the American Airlines Arena for the NBA team the Miami Heat, as well as at country clubs, yacht clubs, churches, schools and resorts. The SOBs are one of only two groups — along with the Whiffenpoofs — that have a weekly engagement at Mory's Temple Bar.

Discography

The Society of Orpheus and Bacchus records a new album every other year. Since its founding, it has recorded and released 21 albums:

The album, Some Pig!, has been reviewed by the Recorded A Cappella Review Board.

Notable alumni