University hoping for safer Tap Night

Each year, Tap Night begins with a candlelight performance of "Wake Ye Freshmen" on Old Campus by the Whiffenpoofs. Last year, it ended in a stark contrast to its traditional roots, as the good-natured water fights of previous years were replaced with chaos and virtual riots by students against the singing groups.

In an attempt to prevent such an occurrence this year, the Yale College Dean's Office and the Singing Group Council have made several changes in the traditional Tap Night repertoire.

This year's potential taps inherit an unfortunate legacy. "Supposedly last year people were throwing things like chairs out of windows and building barricades à la Les Misérables," Brian Johnson, CC '00, said.

Dean of Student Affairs Betty Trachtenberg, in collaboration with the Singing Group Council, is taking steps to assure that this year will be different. Safety measures being taken include not announcing the exact date of Tap Night, though potential taps are being assured that it will occur some time next week, and changing the opening hour of the event to 10 p.m. instead of midnight.

One group, the Society of Orpheus and Bacchus, is taking additional safety measures of their own for Tap Night. "All of the SOB's are wearing full body Lycra fire proof suits," Elihu Rubin, SY '99, said. "Last year we were sprayed with fire extinguishers. Our suits are flameproof and chemical proof, donated by an SOB alumnus."

Singing group members' concerns center around maintaining both the tradition of a cappella singing at Yale, and the special part they play in student life. Although concerns abound, the general feeling is that this tradition, dating back to the Whiffenpoofs, will be maintained. "I get a very positive attitude on campus toward singing groups, especially from freshmen, but also from the other classes," said Erika Johnson, SY '98, rush manager for Something Extra.