The K2010s was a special decade in the Krokodiloes’ storied existence. Each group from K10 to K19 strove to push the Kroks forward while ensuring to honor our legacy. We experienced historic reunions at home, honoring 70 years since our founding in 1946. Abroad, we celebrated decades of relationships with our friends in Germany, Japan, Taiwan, France, Australia, England, and Switzerland — relationships that were older than many members of the group itself. And although the kernel of Krokdom remained constant throughout the decade, the group experienced modernization in several key ways.
We modernized the repertoire, integrating Stevie Wonder, Kimbra, Teresa Teng and more, alongside classic selections from the Great American Songbook. We saw a return to form as part of the newly reconstituted Institute of 1770, creating new musical and social opportunities in fellowship with the Hasty Pudding. Geographically, we expanded as never before, opening up Fiji, Bali, Latin America, and many other locations to future groups.
Naturally, the K2010s also modernized with the technology of the decade. We established our online presence through social media, our entire repertoire was digitized and uploaded to Spotify, and we saved many pounds of luggage by replacing antiquated CDs with download slips. With the Board’s guidance, group leadership also revitalized tour financing through the Tour Continuity Fund, which will hopefully allow future groups to remain financially viable for many decades to come.
We, the Kroks of the K2010s, strongly believe that the modernization we experienced is just a taste of what’s to come. As we look forward to celebrating additional decades of the group and our relationships abroad, we must continue striving to push the Krokodiloes forward while honoring our history – a lodestar for Kroks yet to come.
