I'll admit I was a bit hesitant to audition for The Meladies. Not only had I never done anything like a cappella before, but I was trying to join a group where I knew no one. I was going in blind. Was I going to fit in? Would I make friends? Was a cappella going to be my "thing"? Honestly, joining an a cappella group is one of the things that has totally made my college experience. Nine out of 10 times I would do it all over again. And that one time I wouldn't is just because I'm bitter that Skyler Astin (a.k.a., "Pitch Perfect"'s dreamboat hunk, Jesse) isn't here to be my a ca-boyfriend. Here are 10 reasons why I l love being in an a cappella group.

Disclaimer: Joining an a cappella group will not, in any shape or form, guarantee you your very own Skylar Astin/a ca-boyfriend. I just thought it was important to re-state that.

1. It's socially acceptable to make funny/weird noises with your voice.

Every year we play the unspoken game of, "What's the weirdest sound we can make while singing and get away with it?" I think the best so far has been "Sha-No-Ba-Da." Yes, that is a sound. It's a fun game, don't judge.

2. A ca-family doesn't care what you look like or what sounds your body emits.

All of the girls in the group know how to clean up for events, and we clean up good. But if we show up to rehearsals in yesterday's pajamas, there is not an ounce of judgement. If there is a burp or two released, that's not a problem. Rehearsal space is a safe zone.

3. Music is one of the best tension and stress
relievers. A cappella is not an exception.

Sometimes we have to scream, belt, and sing our feelings. When that gets translated into our rehearsals and performances, it brings out some of the best renditions of our songs. Emotional songs are good songs.

4. You get to arrange and perform original covers of awesome songs.

Arranging songs is one of my favorite elements of a cappella music. Listening to a song and figuring out which part should sing which instrument and melody is genuinely really fun. To this day, my crowning glory has been coming up with a six-part harmony arrangement of Beyonce's "Halo."

5. Meeting people you wouldn't necessarily know otherwise.

It's true; half of the girls on The Meladies are way cooler, too cool to be associating with me. Were we not to be forever united through a cappella, I probably would not have met them otherwise. Joke's on them because now they're stuck with me forever.

6. Everyone sings a critical component of the song.

One of my favorite parts of a cappella is that every single member is essential to making the song sound good and complete. The soloist can't follow the beat without the beatboxer, and the soprano 1s can't hit their high notes without the alto 2s laying down the bass line.

7. A cappella is a wonderful form of creative expression.

I don't think I ever understood the wonderfulness of the human voice until I joined this a cappella group. Whoever said "your voice is an instrument" hit it right on the head. When you take out instruments or background music, you get to really play with your voice and morph it into more than just words and lyrics. Your voice becomes the musical instrument!

8. The a ca-family bond.

There's something about spending 10 plus hours together singing every week that really makes people grow on you. A ca-ohana means a ca-family, and a ca-family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.

9. Your life is actually a musical.

I was once told that I am probably the most spontaneous singer in the world, and while this comment was definitely not meant as a compliment, I took it as one. It's really great to have a group of friends that will not only sing with you, but will also instantly harmonize. Yes, it does occasionally feel like I'm living in a musical, and yes, I love it.

10. The goosies and feels you get when you make music with your best friends.

For those of you unfamiliar with the lingo, goosies are goosebumps and feels are feelings: two things that a cappella people are extremely familiar with. There is nothing better than singing a new song, it sounding beautiful, and knowing that it was the result of a collaboration between you and some of your talented best friends.

Also, check out my a cappella group and maybe even throw us a Facebook and a Twitter follow! ;)