Stanford Mendicants

Stanford Mendicants
Name	Stanford Mendicants
Background	group_or_band
Origin	Stanford University, California, United States
Genre	A cappella
Years active	1963–present
Associated acts	The Harvard Krokodiloes, The Yale Whiffenpoofs

Stanford Mendicants. Founded in 1963, they are the oldest continually running a cappella group at Stanford University and one of the pioneering ensembles in the collegiate a cappella movement. Known for their signature bow ties and spirited performances, the group specializes in close-harmony arrangements of popular music, jazz standards, and traditional university songs. They have performed across the United States and internationally, fostering a tradition of musical excellence and camaraderie among their members.

History

The group was established during the academic year of 1963-1964, inspired by the longstanding tradition of Ivy League groups like The Yale Whiffenpoofs. Their founding coincided with a period of significant growth for Stanford University and its student activities. Early performances were held at campus venues like Memorial Auditorium and for events organized by the Associated Students of Stanford University. Throughout the decades, they have maintained a consistent presence, adapting to changing musical trends from the British Invasion to the rise of hip hop music. The Mendicants have also been involved in notable campus events, including Stanford Axe rallies and ceremonies for Big Game week against the University of California, Berkeley.

Repertoire and style

The ensemble's repertoire is eclectic, primarily featuring a cappella arrangements of songs from the Great American Songbook, classic rock, and contemporary pop music. Their musical style is characterized by jazz-influenced harmonies and a focus on vocal percussion, avoiding instrumental backing. Arrangements often highlight soloists and intricate background vocals, drawing influence from groups like The Manhattan Transfer and Take 6. A staple of their sets includes traditional Stanford songs such as "Hail, Stanford, Hail" and "The Stanford Band," often performed at alumni and university functions.

Notable performances and tours

The Mendicants have undertaken numerous domestic tours, performing at venues like Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Internationally, they have completed tours across Europe, Asia, and Australia, often collaborating with other university groups such as The Harvard Krokodiloes and Oxford's The Oxford Gargoyles. They have appeared at major a cappella festivals, including events hosted by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America. The group has also performed for notable figures and at events like the Monterey Jazz Festival and private functions for Silicon Valley companies like Hewlett-Packard and Google.

Membership and organization

Membership is composed entirely of undergraduate students at Stanford University, selected through a competitive audition process held each autumn. The group operates as a student-run organization, with leadership roles including a business manager, music director, and tour manager. Alumni of the Mendicants, known as "Old Mendicants," include individuals who have pursued careers in fields such as law, medicine, and the entertainment industry, including former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The group is funded through performance fees, alumni donations, and support from the Stanford University Students' Organizations Committee.

Discography

The Mendicants have released numerous studio and live recordings since their inception. Their early albums, such as *"Mendicants in Concert"*, were released on vinyl record formats. Notable later releases include *"Back in the Saddle"* (1992) and *"Mendicants 2000"*, which featured arrangements of songs by artists like The Beatles and Billy Joel. More recent recordings, such as *"Fully Charged"* (2015), have been distributed through digital platforms like iTunes and Spotify. Their recordings have been recognized by the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards.

Awards and recognition

The ensemble has received several honors within the a cappella community, including awards from the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA). Their recordings have been nominated for Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs) in categories such as "Best Male Collegiate Album." The group was also featured on the Best of College A Cappella (BOCA) compilation series. In 2013, they were recognized by the Stanford Alumni Association for their 50 years of contribution to campus life and were celebrated at a gala event at the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center.

Category:American a cappella groups Category:Stanford University organizations Category:Musical groups established in 1963