History
Whim 'n Rhythm forms in 1980
Whim 'n Rhythm was founded in the fall of 1980, establishing the first Whim 'n Rhythm class of 1981, less than a decade after women were first admitted to Yale College (Yale admitted women in 1969 to the class of 1973).
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The group was created to redefine women's a cappella at Yale - elevating musical excellence, while presenting a broader and more authentic representation of women's voices and experiences. These women openly criticized the typical lyrics of romantic desirability with clichés about trapping men -- emphasizing that women can be funny, entertaining, and excellent performers within diminishing themselves. The group prioritized strong arrangements and hoped that this senior group would inspire underclasswomen, fostering mutual respect and building community. 1981 charter
Seven founding members including Ava, Logan, Julie Iffland, Janet Catherine Dea, Nancy Gair, Roberta Wolff, Mary Ann Rotondi, Sarah Holmes, Anita Waters. Their repertoire included Over the Rainbow, It's Your Move and Hammond.
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In 1988 the charter was updated, preserving the original ideas but updating language to be more inclusive of "romantic" songs -
"romantic songs do reflect one aspect of woman's nature. However, it is Whim's responsibility to make sure that such songs, and indeed, all of the songs in Whim's repertoire, also reflect woman's inherent dignity, a dignity that Whim is proud to represent. In this way, we believe our repertoire will present diversified
perspectives, while at the same time upholding a newer, stronger
tradition of women's singing." It also established the logo which continues today. Revised 1988 charter.
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In 1991, Whim celebrated its 10 year anniversary with 90 of a total 139 alumnae traveling to New Haven to Celebrate.
Whim 'n Rhythm disbands in 1992,
Whim alums to the rescue
Whim 'n Rhythm tapped groups from 1981 until 1991. Then in the spring of 1992 there was no tap class. The upcoming senior class lacked the appetite for Whim 'n Rhythm and pushed for an all-gender Whiffenpoofs.
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In 1992 Whim formed the alumni association with officers including:
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Angela Cason '83, President
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Mary Ann Rotondi '81, Treasurer
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Ashley Chase '91, Musical Liaison
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Heather Beatty '90, Correspondence Chair
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Melissa Grigorieff, '90, Publicity Chair
In 1996, alums including Jana Wagner, Mary Ann Rotondi and Mary Hill established Whim 'n Rhythm, Inc. which would consists of alums to help guide the current group and ensure longevity.
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The phoenix logo was created by Allysha Powanda, class of '03.
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In the spring of 1992, Whim alums came to the rescue. Whim founders and other alums (Angela Cason '83, Heather Beatty Raker '90, Melissa Gregorieff Koomey '90, Ashley Chase '91, Tina Forbush '92) traveled to New Haven to publicize, audition and select the class of 1993. ​​​​
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​​In 2018, both Whim 'n Rhythm and the Whiffenpoofs transitioned to all gender. Whim welcomed its first male member in 2022.
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In 2025, Whim received a record $50,000 donation from alum launching a campaign to ensure Whim's future.
Whim 'n Rhythm goes co-ed
Whim 'n Rhythm Now
~600 past Whim 'n Rhythm alums.
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The Class of 2026 includes 13 singers.
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Fresh off the press ... Whim tapped the class of 2027!!
