A group of guys serenading a crowd of women is something one would expect to see on a New Kids on the Block performance. However, this can be found at the Music Building. That’s right – Iowa State has its own boy band.

Shy of a Dozen is a group consisting of 11 members of the Statesmen choir, which is the men’s chorus at Iowa State. The men don’t usually display their dance moves, and they don’t need to mask their singing ability with loud instruments or sound effects. The group only uses sounds that they can create themselves to recreate popular songs – a full a cappella orchestra.

The group was created in the fall of 2000, when James Rodde arrived at Iowa State. Rodde, currently the director of choral activities, polled the men to see if there would be interest in forming a smaller group that would perform a different repertoire of songs.

“A number of choral programs across the country have smaller groups similar to Shy of a Dozen. I asked the Statesmen if they would like to form one, and they seemed eager,” Rodde said.

The group has increased in autonomy over the years. Initially, Rodde picked their songs.

Now, the members choose and arrange versions of some of the popular songs that they perform. Rodde occasionally stops in during rehearsals to listen and offer feedback.

“I am very proud of their hard work and successes,” Rodde said.

Benjamin Rider, graduate student in aerospace engineering, has seen the group change quite a bit since its creation. He has been one of the 11 for the past five years.

“I know it sounds like a cliche, but it is great to just get together and have fun making music,” Rider said.

Shy of a Dozen changes lineups often, with member turnover occurring at least every year. Rodde holds tryouts as needed for new members, and all current members of the Statesmen are eligible to audition.

The group is active with a variety of regional performances and also can be hired for entertainment at individual events.

Katherine Elwood, sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication, said she was shocked when she learned that Iowa State had a band like Shy of a Dozen.

“I didn’t know that we had a boy band at Iowa State. I still listen to Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC,” Elwood said.

Rider said that the group does not have any music majors in it. The members simply enjoy singing, and their audiences seem to enjoy listening to them.

Shy of a Dozen has recorded two albums, their fall 2004 release titled “Not Quite Twelve,” and the upcoming fall 2006 release, “Daughters Hide Your Mothers.” Both discs will be available for $10 and can be purchased at the group’s concerts or via mail. Contact and order information can be found on the group’s Web site, www.music.iastate.edu/org/shy/index.html.

Elwood is looking forward to hearing the group perform for the first time.

“I’m pumped. Anything to do with boy bands, sign me up. I could be their biggest groupie,” Elwood said.