(VIDEO) Arts Center Concert Series Preview: The Four Freshmen

In the more than 50 years The Four Freshmen has existed, its members have changed quite a bit—and with them, the group’s genre.

The longest-tenured member of the current ensemble, Bob Ferreira, has been with the group since 1992.

“It’s kind of funny,” Ferreira said. “I think the definition of the genre has changed over the years. Back when the Four Freshmen were popular in the 50’s, it was considered pop. But nowadays it’s considered more jazz-based or easy-listening.”

But Ferreira dislikes pinning down his group to one style.

“I don’t like to classify a certain musician or a group because it kind of limits them,” he said.

The Four Freshmen began performing in the 1940’s with the founding members. They found fame after being signed to Capitol Records and released their first hit “It’s a Blue World” in 1952 according to their website.

Given the group’s long history, the current members make a conscious effort to pull material from the entire range of work throughout their history.

“We draw from a range of acts from the beginning of the group in 1948. I’d say that about half the repertoire we perform is exclusive to the four current members,” Ferreira said.

Some of their most recent albums include Live from Las Vegas' Suncoast Hotel and Four Freshmen and ‘Live’ Trombones.

The current members are Brian Eichenberger on lead vocals and guitar; Curtis Calderon as second vocal, trumpet and flugelhorn; Vince Johnson as third vocal and bass and Bob Ferreira as fourth vocal and drums.

The Four Freshmen will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 at the . Tickets are available on the arts center’s website and cost $26.