Sing Along With The Idlers of The Coast Guard Academy Cadets [1960]

Pickwick DCF-1007

The Idlers of the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) are an all-male collegiate a cappella ensemble specializing in the performance of sea shanties and patriotic music.

A relatively exclusive group with a history and traditions similar to many fraternal organizations, the Idlers are the only all-male a cappella vocal 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. The ideal group includes 3 or 4 members for each part: Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, and Bass. The group began in 1957 with 14 singers, two of which were freshman (4/c cadets). The Idlers have an elected President, who historically was the "pitch" and leads rehearsals in the absence of the director. The Vice President was the "vice-pitch", also an elected position.

The Idlers were formed in 1957 by eight members of the USCGA Class of 1959 on summer cruise. They quickly drew the attention of the Academy's bandmaster Don Janse and began building their repertoire and fame. In the fall of 1957, the Idlers membership was extended to all Academy classes, as reflected in this photo, taken several months thereafter. Within two years the Idlers had recorded three vinyl albums (for both the Design and MGM labels), and had performed for President and Mrs. Eisenhower at the White House and on The Bell Telephone Hour (NBC).

Don Janse went back to school in the early 1960s 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.

Tracklist:

01 Catch A Falling Star
02 Down By The Old Mill Stream
03 Medley: Oh, Baby Mine/That's Where My Money Goes
04 Scarlet Ribbons
05 Cuddle Up A Little Closer
06 My Lady Sleeps
07 Medley: Quilting Party (Seeing Nellie Home)/Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes
08 Whale of A Tale
09 For Me and My Gal
10 Peg O' My Heart
11 Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
12 Medley: Greensleeves/Shine On Harvest Moon
13 Be Silent My Heart
14 Medley: Blow The Man Down/Our Boys Will Shine/Goodbye My Lover, Goodbye/For He's A Jolly Good Fellow
15 Medley: Idlin'/Coast Guard Academy Hymn/Coast Guard Hymn