The OrphanSporks

The OrphanSporks are the second of seven a cappella groups at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Founded in 1999 by Tom Mullaney, the group features approximately fifteen male and female Rutgers students who arrange and sing pop, rock, and soul melodies to audiences around campus and the greater Tri-State Area. The "Sporks" are known for their energetic performance style, powerful vocals, signature multi-colored T-shirts, and frequent participation in charity events.
The OrphanSporks competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella for the first time in 2010, taking first place in the Northeast Quarterfinals, and second place in the Northeast Semifinals.
In 2007/2008 The OrphanSporks recorded a studio album, A Little Bite of Everything. The album features covers of tracks from famous pop, rock, and hip-hop artists. According to the 2009 review of the album by The Recorded A Cappella Review Board, "This group offers itself as a comedy group that sings well, or at the very least a singing group that recognizes the inherent ridiculous side of the a cappella art form." Most recently in 2011/2012 The OrphanSporks completed their third studio album titled, "A Tableware Affair".
History
Origins (1999-2006)
Founded by Tom Mullaney, Orphan Sporks was largely thought to be a reaction to Rutgers' only other co-ed a cappella group at the time, Deep Treble. In stark contrast to Deep Treble's purist version of a cappella and uniform attire, Mullaney constructed a group that, while very talented, exuded a certain wackiness, punctuated by the group's colorful shirts. The group prided itself on having fun on stage and using this energy to engage audiences and Tom's Mom. The group continued on like this for several more years (or forever).
Transformation (2007-2012)
Fall 2007 marked a change for the group as, then musical director, Meredith Silver began to shape the group to have a much cleaner, technical sound. Additionally, in the winter of 2008 the group recorded a studio album, A Little Bite of Everything. During the 2009-2010 academic year the group entered the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, where they placed 2nd in the semifinals. After the Sporks very successful performance in the 2010 ICCA's, they would continue their tradition of excellence in the 2010-2011 school year under the direction of Kendall Laparo. After Kendall's graduation, the Sporks found their next leader in then-junior Julie Melchor. In the 2011-2012 school year, the Sporks went on to record their third full length studio album under the direction of the executive board, consisting of Musical Director Julie Melchor, Assistant Musical Director Meg Carr, Business Manager Ela Joshi, Assistant Business Manager Katherine Geithman, Treasurer Sam "Nighthawk" Paul and Social Chair Reggie Harrison.
Current members
*Soprano
**Isobel Mancini (Alumni Liaison)
*Alto
**Tenzin Tsepel (Business Manager)
*Tenor
**Luke Ostrow (Assistant Musical Director)
**Salieu Kanu
*Bass
**Arvin Zabalerio (Social Chair)
**Jeron Stephens (Musical Director)
**Doug Park (Treasurer)
**Jason Holley (Assistant Business Manager)
Recordings
During 2011-2012, The Sporks recorded their third studio album titled, "A Tableware Affair".
A Tableware Affair
* "Rolling in the Deep" (Adele)
* "If You're Out There" (John Legend)
* "Please Please Me/Sex on Fire" (The Beatles), (Kings of Leon)
* "Torn" (Natalie Imbruglia)
* "Precious Things" (Tori Amos)
* "Time of the Season/Give it to me Right" (The Zombies), (Melanie Fiona)
* "Billionaire" (Travie McCoy)
* "Chicago" (Sufjan Stevens)
* "Going On" (Gnarls Barkley)
* "Disturbia" (Rihanna)
* "Swag Medley" (Maroon 5), (Christina Aguilera), (Rihanna), (Chris Brown), (Pitbull), (Ne-Yo), (Nayer)
In 2007-2008, The OrphanSporks made a studio recording, A Little Bite of Everything, which received praise from The Recorded A capella Review Board, receiving a score of 4 out of 5. The album was also among a select few in the nation to make it onto the Contemporary A Cappella Society's 2009 Best Mixed Collegiate Album Shortlist.
A Little Bite of Everything
* "Stuck" (Stacy Orrico)
* "Vienna" (The Fray)
* "Lonely No More" (Rob Thomas)
* "Suddenly I See" (KT Tunstall)
* "Tragic Kingdom/Don't Speak" (No Doubt)
* "Take Me Home Tonight" (Eddie Money)
* "In the Waiting Line" (Zero 7)
* "St. Teresa" (Joan Osborne)
* "Volcano" (Damien Rice)
* "Get By" (Talib Kweli)
* "You Found Me" (Kelly Clarkson)

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu