The Shwiffs sing national anthem at Fenway Park
America’s oldest ballpark, meet Connecticut College’s oldest a cappella singing group.
The Shwiffs, an all-female group, took to the field at Fenway Park April 19 to belt out the familiar lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Boston Red Sox took on the Baltimore Orioles. The group, decked out in Red Sox shirts, must have brought the team luck: The Sox won 4-2.
“It was an incredible experience,” said Shwiffs member Hannah Chmura ’15.
The group’s performance coincided with events marking the one-year anniversary of the bombings at the Boston Marathon. After that tragedy, Boston sports teams were integral to the city’s recovery, so the eyes of the nation — and the world — were on the Red Sox and the patriotic performance of The Shwiffs.
"It truly was a special day for The Shwiffs in the midst of an important weekend for Boston,” said Caroline Noonan '16. “We owe a big thank you to the Red Sox for the opportunity."
The students were invited to perform after the Red Sox’s entertainment manager heard a recording of their rendition of the national anthem. Noonan, who serves as the group’s public relations coordinator, sent the tape to the manager after a family friend put them in touch.
Established as the College’s first a cappella group in 1944, The Shwiffs have been singing strong for decades. Throughout the year, they perform at numerous events on and off campus. Recently, the group sang at a downtown event as part of the festivities for the College’s new president. During the fall semester, The Shwiffs participated in an all-group, all-Lorde concert, covering the New Zealand singing sensation’s latest chart-topper, “Team.”
The Shwiffs are one of seven a cappella groups on campus, and a cappella is just one of many co-curricular activities available to students.
Other examples of student-run clubs, organizations and performance groups include (not a full list):
Academic and language
- French Club
- German Club
- Italian Club
- Psi Chi National Honor Society
- Russian Club
Culture and identity
- African Student Union
- MEChA Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán
- Spectrum (dedicated to ending homophobia)
- Yalla Bina (celebrates Middle Eastern region and cultures)
Media
- Cadenza art and literary magazine
- The College Voice student newspaper
- Film Society
- Underexposed photography magazine
- WCNI-FM radio station
Performing arts
- A cappella groups (7)
- Ballroom Dance Club
- Camel Backs stepping club
- Dance Club
- MOBROC (Musicians Organized for Band Rights on Campus)
- N2O improv comedy group
- Wig and Candle theater organization
Political
- Connecticut College Democrats
- Connecticut College Left
- Connecticut College Republicans
Religious and spiritual
- Conn Catholics
- Hillel
- Conn Christian Fellowship
Special interest
- Coffee Grounds coffee shop
- Connecticut College EMS
- Feminist Majority
- Gaming Club
- Habitat for Humanity
- Human Rights Now
- Peggotty Investment Club
- Pre-Health Club
- SOAR (Students Organized Against Racism)
Student governance
- Honor Council
- Student Government Association
- Student Activities Council
Sustainability
- Forest Justice
- Renewable Energy Club
- Spokespeople bicycle collective
- Sprout! organic garden club
April 21, 2014