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Proof of the Pudding is the second-oldest undergraduate female a cappella group at Yale University. Founded in 1975 as an all-female a cappella group specializing in jazz and swing, Proof of the Pudding - or "Proof" for short - is proud to have been entertaining audiences for 35 years. While Proof is an ensemble specializing in jazz and swing classics like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "In the Mood," its repertoire also includes more contemporary numbers like "Son of a Preacher Man" and "This Will Be." Notable for its uniquely bold, jazzy sound, focused musicality, and clever arrangements, Proof of the Pudding looks forward to celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year and sharing its classic performances with audiences around the world.

Proof of the Pudding is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.

History


Adrianne Benton and Virginia Welles established Proof of the Pudding in 1975, merely six years after women were first admitted to Yale University. As the second all-female a cappella group to be established at Yale, Proof soon became known for its vibrant sound, exuberant performance style, and energetic repertoire. Since its founding, Proof has produced several albums successfully and toured both nationally and internationally. As ever, the group is dedicated to musical excellence and friendship.

The name "Proof of the Pudding" is taken from an excerpt of Cervantes' Don Quixote, "the proof of the pudding is in the tasting." Given the male-dominated a cappella world of Yale in 1975, the founding members of Proof had to prove themselves as musicians. The name urged people not to dismiss Proof before they heard them sing - because once they did, they would recognize how good Proof really was!



Repertoire
Originally, Proof's repertoire consisted exclusively of jazz and swing. Since then, Proof has expanded its style to a selection of music as diverse as our members. All Proof music is arranged by members or friends of Proof. Every song is tailored specifically for a exuberant performance style.

Proof's arrangements are layered, with parts usually ranging from the traditional four to eight. In order to keep true to its jazz roots, Proof incorporates challenging rhythms, bass walks, percussion, jazz chords, and complex quartets into their songs. Proof's current repertoire calls upon famous female performers like Ella Fitzgerald and The Andrew Sisters as well as jazz standards like "Blue Skies" and songs from musicals or film soundtracks like "All That Jazz". But new arrangements yield new surprises - audiences should be on the lookout for "Cruella de Vil," "It's Raining Men," and other more modern pieces. Proof also sings traditional Yale songs, such as "Beneath the Elms" and "The Mory's Song." .

Membership


Proof remains a completely student-run and self-funded organization. All arrangements are provided by members or friends of Proof. Members rehearse approximately five hours per week to keep the group on its toes.

Comprised yearly of about 13 undergraduate women from a diverse set of locations and backgrounds, Proof's membership is determined by an audition process unique to Yale a cappella groups - "Rush."

The "Rush" period officially begins when freshman arrive on campus and ends about three weeks later with one of the university's most well-known traditions: "a cappella Tap Night." Rush season includes two large concerts featuring all 15 of the Yale a cappella groups, in addition to auditions, call-backs, a full-length Proof concert called a "Singing Dessert," and weeks of rush meals in which auditionees dine with and get to know current members of their prospective groups. The rush process is organized by the Singing Group Council of Yale and is also open to current sophomores. Every year Proof is excited to meet and invite several new members into the group!



Tours
Proof performs both on and off the Yale campus. Our three largest on-campus venues are the Rush Singing Dessert, the Parent's Weekend Concert, and the annual Spring Jamboree. Additionally, Proof performs at private parties, restaurants such as Mory's Temple Bar, retirement homes, schools, and community centers. The group has performed for Tony Blair,... and other notable achievements. Proof also make two annual tours, typically one national, one international. Destinations have ranged from Hawaii to Costa Rica and from NYC to Paris. Tours are free to members.

In the 2009-2010 school year, Proof performed on two tours. For the annual Winter tour, Proof sang in Boston before heading up to Vermont. For the ten-day Spring 2010 tour, Proof visited the beautiful Costa Rica, traveling to San Jose, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. .

Albums


Proof of the Pudding has released numerous CDs in its history, usually every two to three years. Recent releases include Chill and Serve (2007), Sweet or Hot (2004), and Evidence (2001).