In the fall of 1992, Kyle Hayden, Brian Hough, Rob Searle, and Dave Smith formed a barbershop group called the Ripchords. The original idea was to sing Valentines to raise money for the music fraternity on campus. Their first real gig was at Boston University and they sang barbershop and doo-wop classics. When Rob left school in the spring of 1993, the barbershop idea was scrapped and the three remaining members formed the Potsdam Pointercounts. Following the transformation the group grew quickly to become the premiere popular performing group on the SUNY Potsdam campus, as well as in the North Country of New York. The first A Cappella Jam was held later that spring. This annual event brings a cappella groups from various other colleges to sing and perform at SUNY Potsdam for one night only with the Pointercounts.

The Potsdam Pointercounts dedicate themselves to educating students of all ages about a cappella music and bringing the love of the arts into schools. The Pointercounts fully support Music and the Arts in schools because music is an integral part of the creative mind and spirit. The Pointercounts want students to experience a cappella choral singing through educational workshops and performances. A Cappella music holds historical and cultural importance and the Pointercounts strive to make students aware of one of the oldest forms of choral singing. It is the mission of the Potsdam Pointercounts to create an atmosphere that is conducive for people of all ages to enjoy a cappella music as an art form and as a source of entertainment.