The Pitchforks of Duke University

The Pitchforks began singing together in 1979 and was officially chartered as a Duke University student organization in 1981. The founding officers consisted of: Robert S. Clarke, Frank E. Block, James Bulleit, Elliott McCrory, and Kurt T. Uphoff.[6]

Dr. Benjamin F. Ward was asked to be faculty advisor of The Pitchforks in 1980. By its official chartering, Ward had become a full member, serving as their Music Director, a position which he held for four years. He sang with the group and formed friendships with many of its 200 alumni until his passing in 2013. Ward helped shape the music of The Pitchforks and integrate music traditions. Most notably, Ward began The Pitchforks' Gothic Christmas Show as a project which he directed, but the show has now been held annually for more than thirty years.[7] Even since Ward's passing, the Pitchforks continue to put on the show to honor their mentor.

The group has grown considerably over the past 30 years. At first, The Pitchforks primarily sang barbershop and traditional/folk music, such as country classic, "Carolina In My Mind" by James Taylor.[8] As of 2019, their repertoire consists of a wide variety of music, spanning from old classics, such as The Beach Boys, to contemporary artists like Shawn Mendes and Ed Sheeran. Their rendition of "Fireflies" by Owl City won the CARA for Best Male Collegiate Arrangement in 2010.[9]

The Pitchforks perform frequently throughout the year, in dorms, around Duke's campus, and across the world.[3] Most notably, The Pitchforks toured Mexico City in the Spring of 2019 and made live appearances on Mexican TV shows "Xe Bandamax" and "Montse y Joe".

DUI-Pitchforks Valentine's Day Show 2018

The Pitchforks support a host of local organizations through hosting and performing at benefit concerts. Two of the most prominent examples of the group's philanthropy are:

• Benjamin F. Ward, American philosopher[14]

The Pitchforks have now produced over 15 albums, each with a unique theme and texture.[9]

• The Pitchforks of Duke University (1983)
• It's Not Rock 'n' Roll but I Like It (1984)
• A Few Good Cuts (1987)
• The Daze of Christmas (1988)
• Wild Pitch (1989)
• Up All Night (1990)
• Tonal Eclipse (1992)
• Underground (1994)
• Ninth Street (1996)
• Tastefully Done (1998)
• They Don't Even Know (2000)
• Bad for the Piano (2002)
• A Gothic Christmas (2003)
• Honestly (2004)
• Bring It Back (2006)
• Disconcert (2008)
• All In (2011)
• Refraction (2013)
• Camden Town - EP (2015)
• Perfect - single (2018)
• Too Good At Goodbyes - single (2018)
• Fall Asleep at Sunset (2018)
• Lost In Japan - single (2019)

Their entire discography can be found on RateMyMusic[35] and Spotify.[4] They are currently working on their next album, which will feature their singles "Perfect," "Too Good At Goodbyes," and "Lost In Japan".