Almost everyone has seen the now iconic 2012 movie "Pitch Perfect." The Barden Bellas made you wish you were a part of a group full of fun and crazy singers, so that you could mermaid-dance and harmonize your musical little heart out. While this movie is full of laughs, quotable lines, and ridiculous moments, it begs the question, "Is this what being in a collegiate a cappella group is really like?"
As a member of Southern Methodist University's premiere female a cappella group, The SMU Belle Tones, I can answer this question for you. Being in a collegiate a cappella group is actually remarkably similar to "Pitch Perfect," only better. Here are some of the reasons why being in an a cappella group in college is aca-awesome.
1. You make awesome friends who share the same passion as you.
2. There's nowhere else where it's socially acceptable to break into song whenever it strikes your fancy.
3. You don't have to have any formal training or intense musical background to be a part of a musically talented group of people.
4. Amazing opportunities open up to you, such as performing at important events all over your city and beyond (for example, in 2013, The SMU Belle Tones had the opportunity to sing for all five living presidents at the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center).
5. Practice is actually fun, and something you enjoy going to.
6. You have the opportunity to learn more about music and improve your skills at singing, reading and arranging music, and maybe even dancing--though nothing anywhere near as intense as the Barden Bella's choreography in "Pitch Perfect."
7. You have the chance to sing all different genres of music.
8. You always have a support system of about 15 people who will do everything they can to help you out, and will always laugh at your weird jokes.
9. You gain confidence through auditioning for solos and performing in front of crowds.
10. If you previously struggled with making yourself look presentable for special events, being in an a cappella group will help you learn how to look your absolute best, as your fellow members continually help you look performance-ready.
11. You learn the value of healthy competition through rivalries with other a cappella groups, especially the other groups at your school.
12. You can expand your wardrobe as you acquire various performance outfits, and you will grow to love your group's signature look (our go-to is a white sundress and cowboy boots).
13. Being in a completely student-run organization is a totally different experience than many other on-campus clubs that gives you more freedom and room for creativity.
14. If you choose to pursue a position within your a cappella group (such as president, business manager, music director, social media coordinator, etc), you will gain valuable leadership experience.
15. You have the chance to befriend students who are both older and younger than you, which gives you the opportunity to initially learn more about college life, and later give advice to younger students.
16. The feeling of accomplishment when you learn your part on a difficult song, and finally hear the music come together, is something that you can't get anywhere else.
17. If you're not a music major, you don't have to miss out on having music be a part of your college experience.
18. You have the amazing opportunity to become a part of something greater than yourself.
19. You could end up with songs and even albums on iTunes. (Check out our single, Adele's "Skyfall," on iTunes now, and stay tuned for our album dropping in the spring!)
20. You learn what teamwork really means.
21. Your circle of friends expands beyond the people in your dorm, on your sports team, in your major, or in your Greek organization.
22. But mostly, you get to have a phenomenal time with incredible and talented people doing something you all love to do.
If you think all of this sounds aca-awesome and you go to SMU, audition for the SMU Belle Tones on the first weekend of school, August 29th and 30th! You can sign up here, or visit our website for more information.
