A cappella groups are on the rise since the ever-popular movie "Pitch Perfect" came out in 2012. The movie made the idea of singing silly noises in the background seem incredibly glamorous and made pretty much everyone want to be part of what seems like one of these super-exclusive cliques. Unfortunately, many stereotypes about a cappella groups came with this movie and a whole lot of them are just not true.
1. We have rivalries.
Despite the tension between "The Treble Makers" and "The Barden Bellas" in the movie, the a cappella community at Binghamton is very tight-knit. Groups participate in philanthropy events and showcases together, and we're very big on attending each other's shows for support.
2. We sing whenever we hang out.
Okay, this one might be a little bit true. Can you blame us? When 10 plus people with a ridiculous amount of talent hang out together, it's hard to not display it. But seriously, we do other things too. We party and watch reality TV and do other normal people stuff.
3. We have ridiculous initiation ceremonies.
In my a cappella group, the process by which you are "initiated" simply consists of singing. You audition, you have a callback and then you have to prove yourself during the first three weeks of rehearsals. There are no blind folds or chants or weird candles lit.
4. All the guys are gay.
For whatever reason, if you're a guy participating in theatrical performances or something like a cappella, people tend to assume you're homosexual. I find the notion that being a guy who has a connection to music must mean you're into guys to be pretty ludicrous.
5. We say "aca" before everything.
The disgustingly annoying habit of saying things such as "aca-awesome" and "aca-awkward" was completely fabricated by "Pitch Perfect." No one in my group ever uses the prefix "aca" unless they are mocking the movie.
6. We don't have friends outside our group.
Joining a cappella does not mean you have joined a cult. It is possible to have friends outside of the circle of people you sing with.
7. We think we're all that.
Although we are incredibly talented, not only vocally but performance-wise, we're actually pretty down-to-earth. No, but seriously. We are not as pretentious and self-absorbed as people assume. We just like to sing and like to do it together.
Being in an a cappella group is similar to being in any other club. We are not entitled and we don't enjoy stirring the pot with other groups. We simply like to sing and put on a good show for whoever's willing to listen, and that's about it.
