OCTET '10-'11:
Year in Review
The Octet kicked off the 2010-2011 school year on a melancholy note, saying goodbye to our founder Warren Hunke '42, who passed away over the summer. A beautiful memorial service was held at St. John's on Park Street in early September, and Octet alums from as far back as 1943 were present. Following the service, the returning members found extra inspiration to put their best forward for the coming year, starting with energetic performances at the freshmen jamboree and entry sings. After an impressive and competitive series of auditions, the group welcomed three new members: Scott Pelton-Stroud '14, Alex Puskas '14, and Sam Austin '14.
The first concert of the year was held in Goodrich, performing to a packed house alongside the Accidentals. Matt Cranshaw '11's rendition of "Wagon Wheel" was particularly noteworthy, capturing the hearts of innumerable freshmen girls and Patrick Aquino '12. Later in the semester, the group went on a doubleheader roadtrip to Wellesley College and Smith College, where they befriended Molly and almost drove off a cliff on the way home.
The group's final fall concert was held in Brooks-Rogers as usual. The Octet showed that its talents include dancing as well as singing, as demonstrated by its rendition of the Sam Cooke classic "Wonderful World."
Winter Study brought the traditional Pub Crawl, marked by much intellectual discourse and a dominant victory for the alums at the traditional snow football game. Shortly thereafter, rehearsals resumed as the spring semester began. A few weeks later, the group roadtripped to Mount Holyoke College, and gave an uncharacteristically strong performance. Other highlights from the trip included Michael Girouard '13, someone named Susan, and a reunion between long-lost roommates.
The spring midsemester concert was held in Currier Ballroom with Good Question. The Octet's Taylor Swift Medley was a major crowd-pleaser, and the group sounded better than it had in a while.
Soon enough, spring break was upon us, and the Octet celebrated with a roadtrip to Atlanta. Stops included NYC, Swarthmore, DC, UNC, and Daryl. Good times were had by all, and surprisingly little singing was done. In a stunning twist, the trip saw no arrests or major injuries, and thus was deemed an all-around success.
Post-spring break, the group squeezed in two more roadtrips. The first, a return to Smith, included traditional Oc-debauchery and a meetup with Grace, a longtime friend of the Octet. The final excursion, to Hamilton College, proved to be the best roadtrip of the year. Highlights included Rob Pasternak '11 and Will Speer '13.
The following Thursday, the group got together and attended an Ephoria concert. Nothing happened.
But it is a sad fact of life that all good things must come to an end. The final Octet concert of the year took place on the last day of classes, and in an Oc-first, it was held outside, on Paresky lawn. The group said goodbye to a strong class: Andrei "Drei" Baiu, Matt "Cranny" Cranshaw, Lucas "Schmoocas" Bruton, and Rob "Pastry" Pasternak. Their formal exodus into the world of Octet alumdom was marked by the receipt of a magic eight ball, followed by their respective senior solo. Somehow, tears were kept to a minimum.
All in all, the year was a huge success, filled with memorable concerts, roadtrips, and parties, and far too much fraternal love.
Will Speer '13
Member, Octet '10-'11