Fall semester starts in a few weeks and the most frequent statement new students hear is "get involved on campus!" Though I am extremely biased, I think the best way to get involved on campus is by joining the premier, and now award-winning, a cappella group, Gold Vibrations. We are an 18-member group that loves to perform for our friends and family, but it is also so much more than that.
Gold Vibrations changed my life and I probably wouldn't be at Oakland today if I weren't in GV.
1. We are a family.
Gold Vibrations started in 2008 because a few friends wanted to make music together. We support the highs and lows in each other's lives. The friendships that form in this group are stronger than anything I have experienced.
2. You don't have to be a music major to sing with us.
I have been singing since middle school but I learned so much from the members in this group who aren't studying music at OU. GV members vary from engineers and teachers to musical theatre and journalism majors. If Troy can do it, so can you.
3. You learn how to manage your time.
Between having part-time jobs, internships and a social life, who has time for actual class assignments? By being in GV I learned how to schedule my time, blow off steam in rehearsal (every Thursday and Sunday) and also finish my school work.
4. You learn how to be a team player.
Everything nowadays is so competitive so it's nice to work together as a team to accomplish a goal. Listening to others, implementing new ideas and compromising are all qualities that you can use in an office setting.
And on the flip-side...
5. You learn how to be a leader.
Gold Vibrations has board member positions and leadership opportunities that really allowed me to be a leader and help move the group into a new direction. I learned how to fundraise, book gigs and keep track of a budget. GV is a singing group but it's also taught me valuable business skills.
6. I got to travel.
This year we were so fortunate to compete in the International Competition of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA). We were the Great Lake Champions and Top Ten in the country! Because of this we get to travel to Pittsburg, Chicago, Washington and New York City where we performed at the Beacon Theatre. Traveling as a couple is a huge step, and the same goes for an 18-member a cappella group.
7. You become a better musician and performer.
I was surrounded by so many talented people that it made me strive to be a better singer. Since being in GV I have worked on my voice blend, trying to expand my range and thought about writing my own a cappella arrangements. You could say GV Aspires to Rise (see what I did there).
8. The bonds you make in GV are so strong, you end up living together.
You have your significant others and then you have your GV roommates. So many GV members live together because it's convenient and fun!
9. You get to pursue your dream.
For as long as I can remember my dream was to perform on a broadway stage doing something I loved. GV gave me that opportunity this year when we went to ICCA Finals (see #6). The Beacon Theatre was the home of the Tony Awards and the whole experience was so surreal. I wouldn't want to share that moment with anyone else.
10. Ain't no party like a GV party!
If there are two things we know how to do well, it's sing and party! GV has legend -- wait for it -- dary parties which consist of delicious beverages, screaming matches of Heads Up and, of course, singing. Partying with GV is like partying with 18 of your closest friends.
