Lombard's own to return with a cappella group

It has been a pretty good year for Justin Quam.

As a member of the nation's oldest a cappella group, the Yale Whiffenpoofs, Quam has done some things he never thought he would. We're not just talking about world travel, although the group soon will head out on a three-month tour through Asia, Europe and Africa.

No, what the Lombard native says is most rewarding is the opportunity to continue his musical career with the 101-year-old group despite not studying music. He's simply following a passion.

"I couldn't believe that people who were passionate about this could be involved in something so satisfying," Quam said as his group prepared to make a trip to Chicago and Villa Park for two shows this weekend. "I never thought I'd be a part of a group that is this essential to my life."

The group will perform at 8 p.m. today at St. James Episcopal Church, 65 E. Huron St., Chicago. That will be followed by a second performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 545 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park.

Quam says the 14-member group, which is composed of the best of the several a cappella groups at Yale University, performs between 200 and 300 concerts a year.

When he arrived at Yale after graduating from Glenbard East High School in Lombard in 2006, he loved what he saw in the choir scene.

"I was surprised at how vital the a cappella scene was," Quam said. "It's nothing I ever expected. I just got incredibly lucky."

Quam's deep bass voice contributed to his selection to the group, he said.

Quam is one of just four Whiffenpoof members who maintains a full class load, and he's had to learn to balance the demands of his classes against the work and dedication expected from the singers.

During a recent weekend, current members of the group heard auditions for aspiring Whiffenpoof members and deliberated well into the night. Quam said they discussed the prospects until about 5 a.m. Two hours later, they had to board a flight to Kansas City, Mo., to perform.

But the sacrifice and hard work is worth it, said Quam, who expects family and friends to be on hand when he performs this weekend.

"(The music) is always important to us," Quam said. "We feel our life is empty without it and it's something we feel is important to do."

<p class="News">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What:</b> The Yale Whiffenpoofs a cappella concerts featuring Lombard native Justin Quam</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> St. Paul Lutheran Church, 545 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park</p>

<p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $12 general admission, $10 students</p>

<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://whiffenpoofs.com/calendar" target="new">whiffenpoofs.com/calendar</a></p>