Friars (Musical group)

University of Michigan a cappella octet composed of members of the men's glee club.

The Friars is an a cappella octet named after a turn-of-the-century student organization (drinking club). The Friars originated in 1955 when two rival quartets, the Arbors and the Whatchamacallits, decided to merge their musical talents. In 1960, four members of the Friars decided to form a new group called The Arbors. The new quartet traveled extensively from Minnesota to New York. In 1961 the group recorded an album with Vanguard Recording Company.

The Friars are composed of University of Michigan Men's Glee Club members. The group creates its own choreography and arranges its own music, borrowing from a variety of artists. The octet has been aired on national television and has performed at the White House, the Rose Bowl, and exotic places such as Jamaica, Acapulco, Hawaii and Cancun.