The Dissipated Eight

 Originally a barbershop octet, the group evolved alongside modern a cappella by incorporating new musical styles. The group never lost sight of its barbershop roots, following the spirit of energetic dedication that was established by the group’s founding members.  In the fall of 1951, shortly after the class of 1955 arrived at Middlebury College, Pete Baldwin’s interest in quartet singing began filling Painter and Hepburn Halls. By February, seven singers were practicing together on a regular basis. WRMC announcer Bob Arel, noting that the double quartet was short by one, designated the name of the group “The Dissipated Eight.” The name stuck! D8 made its debut at the Ides of March Dance on March 15, 1952.

Over the past five decades, D8 has compiled a vast archive of music, recording twenty-three albums thus far.

The group continues to perform all over New England (as well as Bermuda & Costa Rica) at private venues, colleges, and high schools alike. With 70 years behind them, they look forward to continued success through the blending of traditional and contemporary a cappella.