The Idlers
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The Idlers of the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) are an all-male a cappella ensemble specializing in the performance of sea shanties and patriotic music.
Overview
The Idlers are the only all-male a cappella singing group at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy. Membership is attained through annual auditions overseen by the current members and the director. Group size varies based on current requirements, but generally includes between 12 and 20 men. As such The Idlers is a relatively exclusive group with a history and traditions similar to many Fraternal organizations. The ideal group includes 4 members for each part: Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, and Bass. The Idlers have an elected President, who normally is the "pitch" and leads rehearsals in the absence of the director. The Vice President is the "vice-pitch", also an elected position.
Music
The Idlers memorize all their music. The repertoire varies from year to year but typically is heavy on Sea Chanteys and patriotic tunes. The occasional show tune and holiday song round out the mix. The Sea Chanty list is weighted towards capstan songs. Several numbers feature soloists, but a principle concern of all Idlers is the ability to blend well. No individual voice stands out, as they work together to create a smooth and pleasing harmony.
Instruments
Some performances are augmented by various instruments. An upright Bass, banjo, and 12-string guitar are typical - these instruments were the staple of the New London Trio in the mid and late 1970's. Over the years, The Idlers have also performed with a squeezebox (or concertina), the harmonica (or mouth organ), spoons, washboard, tin whistle, and squeeze-bulb klaxon horn.
History
The Idlers were formed in 1957 by eight members of the USCGA Class of 1959 on third conduct. They quickly drew the attention of the Academy's bandmaster Don Janse and began building their repertoire and fame. Within two years the Idlers had recorded three vinyl albums and had performed at the White House and on the Ed Sullivan television program.
Don Janse went back to school in the early 1960's and John Heffermann briefly directed the Idlers. When Don returned he brought a number of new tunes which would soon become Idlers staples, including arrangements of Banua, The First Time I Ever, and the Coast Guard Hymn.
The 1970's saw a resurgence of interest in folk music, and The New London Trio was formed, patterned after the Kingston Trio.
The 1980's ended with Don Janse's retirement. Robert Newton had been conducting the Idlers sister group, the Icebreakers, and now began directing both groups. Dr. Newton took the Idlers on their first annual tour of Florida in 1988, performing for Magic Music Days at Walt Disney World, and at the West Palm Beach Polo Club.
In 1990, The Idlers supported the Coast Guard's Bicentennial celebration with performances at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, and the military tribute ball in Dallas, TX. With the start of the Gulf War, The Idlers supported dozens of USO functions throughout the country, with notable performances in and around New York City, at Ellis Island, and at Fisher's Island in Miami, FL. The Idlers were is such great demand that several quartets were formed, featuring one vocalist for each of the 4 parts. Singing Valentines, intimate dinner parties, accent performances for Flag Dinners - nothing was too small for an Idlers Quartet.
1998 saw the first-ever reunion of The Idlers. Conceived and executed by Edward "Cherry" Beale, I'92, the reunion spanned an entire weekend in April. An opening dinner was hosted at The Griswold Inn in Essex, Connecticut on Friday night. Some remarked that this was the retirement dinner Don Janse never got. Saturday was filled with rehearsals for the reunion concert in Leamy Hall. The audience was full, and the show was opened by Forebitter of Mystic Seaport. Performances by the current Idlers, quartets, and Trios filled the middle of the program. John Heffermann, then Don Janse took turns conducting the combined 50-voice ensemble. Bob Newton finished the program, then handed out awards and recognition.
Work is progressing to arrange a 50th year reunion in 2007 or 2008, possibly in San Francisco or San Diego.
External links
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