Founded in 1943, the Yale Alley Cats are one of the oldest and best-known a cappella groups from Yale University. It all began on Saybrook Tower, where the four founding members began this incredible journey. Now, 80 years later, the group has grown into a tight-knit family with 500+ alumni, becoming one of the nation’s most renowned a cappella groups. The group’s diverse, ambitious, and challenging repertoire has its roots in jazz, and has evolved to include Motown, Pop, R&B, Folk, Country, and more. Their music has been awarded many honors, such as a Grammy Award Shortlist entry for one of their albums, and they release a new album every two years.

Aside from the Cats’ longstanding musical presence on campus, the Cats also happen to be Yale’s first internationally touring a cappella group, taking their members around the world three times a year. The group has traveled to countries such as Japan, Turkey, Norway, Switzerland, and South Korea, as well as visiting each member of the group’s hometown. Alley Cat Tours are entirely free, as well as an amazing opportunity to see the world, perform at incredible venues, and make lifelong friends and memories. From President Barack Obama, Aretha Franklin, and the Queen of England to their friends and families back at home, the Cats have performed for the most noble of audiences to the most sentimental.

Coming off their most-attended Champagne Jamboree in history (their big jam in April) last year, the Cats are ready to keep pushing the envelope even more for their 80th anniversary this year. Additionally, while the Cats offer things like musical excellence and exceptional tours, the most important part of being a Cat is the family they’ve cultivated over the past 80 years. Being a Cat means having a home away from home, a built-in support system, and best friends for life. As the Cats get ready for their biggest year in history – a brand new single, international tours to China, Switzerland, and South Africa, the 80th Champagne Jamboree, several new and challenging arrangements, and a ton of memories to be made – there’s never been a better time to be a Cat.