As the Spring 2015 semester draws to a close, the University of Wyoming’s resident all male a cappella group, The Happy Jacks, prepares for their final performance slated for Saturday, May 9.
The Happy Jacks came together in 2006 as an a cappella branch of the UW Singing Statesmen but functioned as a club until 2009 when they were given their own class. Nicole Lamartine, director of choral activities and conductor of the UW Singing Statesmen, led the project.
“As the conductor of the Statesmen, I am the Happy Jacks’ teacher,” Lamartine said. “It was a logical fit.”
Each semester members of the Singing Statesmen are encouraged to audition for the Happy Jacks, whose performance focus is pop and contemporary music. They tour the state and region every year to promote male ensemble singing.
“They would like to begin touring every semester,” Lamartine said.
The group saw a lineup change recently as many of its members left or graduated last spring. Of its ten current members, six joined last fall and three joined this spring, but they had no troubles getting to know each other.
Brendan Ruwart, sophomore, said the best part of the group is the bond between the performers.
“My favorite part of being a Happy Jack is the friendships I’ve made within this group of guys. It’s been a pleasure to sing with them so far and I can’t wait for the semesters to come,” Ruwart said.
Fellow sophomore Jeremy Filipiak shared the sentiment. “Yes, we practice a lot and singing is our main activity,” said Filipiak, “but at the same time, these guys are some of my best friends and I can’t imagine this school year without them. They are all great guys.”
Many Happy Jacks said they are very excited for their upcoming performance and have been hard at work to close out the year with a bang.
“The upcoming show will be awesome,” Kevin Baldwin, a freshman member of the group, said. “We have a great set list and have worked hard to bring it to life. If you came to our fall concert you’ll recognize some old tunes, but we also have some really cool things lined up that the Happy Jacks haven’t done before. It will be a blast, a great ending to a great year.”
Matthew Osmotherly, senior, said the concert is not one to miss.
“We have some great choreography, upbeat pieces, great soloists, and above all just a lot of energy. Some slow tunes as well, of course,” Osmotherly said.
The Happy Jacks will perform at the Performing Arts Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday. The concert is free to the public, but donations will be accepted at the door.
