The Krok's business manager, Paul Sagawa '85, famous for his vocal improvization, agrees that the Whiffs are professional but adds, "We're a bit more cognizant of entertainment."

The Kroks have at least 60 applicants for about four spots each year, says Cass. He adds that the process of try-outs is intimidating: after a week of cuts, the finalists sing with eight of the Kroks while the other four stand "within a foot of each mouth and listen for blend and tone," says Cass.

Making Music

The music arranger for the Kroks is Pete L. Mattsfield '76 who arranges for the Boston Pops and other orchestras. "The biggest challenge is making the music stylistically satisfying. What sort of rhythm is set up in the background really sets the style." he says.

Mansfield adds that music from the 1930s and 1940s is most suitable for a close-harmony singing group. "Anything that relies on a contemporary sort of drum beat sound is heavily synthesized and doesn't work well."

The Krok's concert, tonight at 8 p.m. at Sanders Theater, will include the Princeton Tigertones, another close-harmony group. "I don't want to divulge too much, but expect a surprise opening," says Sagawa.