NATCHEZ — Each year 14 of the finest male singers in Yale University’s senior class are chosen to be members of the Whiffenpoofs, the world’s oldest and best-known a cappella group.

And 102 years after the group’s founding in 1909, the Whiffenpoofs continue their tradition of outstanding musicianship and exceptional entertainment.

This year, the Whiffenpoofs’ will start their 2011 world-wide tour Jan. 2, in historic Natchez at the Natchez Little Theatre at 319 Linton Ave.

Each year, the “Whiffs” perform over 200 concerts worldwide at a wide range of venues including large concert halls, private events, country clubs, schools and churches.

The Whiffs and their diverse repertoire which ranges from Yale songs to contemporary pop and jazz favorites is a dynamic and exciting performance for audiences of all ages.

The Whiffenpoofs recently performed on NBC’s “The Sing-Off.”

This year, the Whiffenpoofs have partnered with Education Through Music, a charitable organization based in New York City which promotes and supports music instruction in disadvantaged schools in order to enhance students’ academic performance and general development. The Whiffenpoofs donate 5 percent of world tour proceeds to help bring music education to ETM schools.

The performance at Natchez Little Theatre is the fifth year in a row that the Whiffenpoofs have begun their world-tour in Natchez.

Tickets for the 2 p.m. concert are $20 and should be reserved by calling Natchez Little Theatre at 601-442-2233; toll free at 1-877-440-2233 or online at www.natcheztheatre.org.

There will be a champagne reception following the concert where the audience will get to meet the Whiffenpoofs.