The V-8's of Mount Holyoke College (circa 1949)

Holyoke Blues Winter Wonderland East of the Sun Merry-Go-Round Talk of the Town All American Girl By the Light of the Silvery Moon Every Night When the Sun Goes In When I see All the Lovin' That They Waste on Babies Sweet Sue Do You Believe in Lovin', Honey *** Members: Betsy Schoonmaker, Joan Beck, Terry Bliss, Lynn Lungren, Ellie Daley, Ann Otis, Betsy Walter, Nancy Freese, Pat Crosby, Phyllis Leawood, Mary Jane Unger, Jay Shanahan

The V-8's were started in 1942 by an enthusiastic college group who enjoyed singing together in close, modern harmony. Since they first sang at U.S.O.'s and nearby army bases, the name "V", for Victory, was adopted. The organization has continued, replacing each part, when necessary, by holding all-college try-outs, and has enlarged within the last two years to include alternates in the four parts. The V-8's are a completely independent group, arranging all their own music, giving time to rehearsals and often planning visits with other singing groups at numerous colleges. The particular group, who compiled this album, have been quite active in singing for a wide variety of audiences. Trips away from Mount Holyoke have included weekends at Yale, Amherst, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Princeton, Dartmouth, Wesleyan, West Point and Annapolis. Connecticut Valley residents have also heard the girls at college dances, Holyoke and Northampton clubs and churches, Westover Field, and Leeds Veteran Hospital. Their combined efforts are leaning towards experimentation with new musical ideas and harmonies, striving always for a close and mellow blend. Most important, the V-8's have a good time singing together, for other people's pleasure and their own.