By this point, the majority of people have seen the movie "Pitch Perfect." It's an incredibly entertaining film that features flying burritos, projectile vomit, and of course, amazing singing. And although I can't say that I ever had a scare with vocal nodules or got to sing in an empty, abandoned pool, I kind of got my own real-life "Pitch Perfect" experience with my all-female a cappella group in college. The Enchantments were my Barden Bellas of college. We were a group of anywhere from 10-15 girls who met up twice a week every week to rehearse for gigs on campus or in the community. I cannot tell you the amount of times I got asked "Are you guys just like Pitch Perfect?" whenever I would talk about The Enchantments. So today I am here to dispel a few myths (and confirm a few facts) about all-female a cappella.
1. Is initiation serious business?
2. Are riff-off's real?
I WISH I could say yes. The riff-off scenes are the best from both "Pitch Perfect" movies. Unfortunately, it's very hard to make up entire arrangements on the spot. That's not to say that we don't jam out with other a cappella groups, it's just on a much smaller, more casual scale (but still very cool).
3. Do people really fight over the pitch pipe?
No, not physically, at least. It can be seen as KIND OF an honor to carry the group's pitch pipe. Without it, there are no starting notes and therefore no music. So whoever gets to blow the pitch pipe has to be very responsible, but I've certainly never tackled anyone for it.
4. Is there lots of aca-drama between groups?
I'm happy to prove this one false. The University of Minnesota has many a cappella groups and we all perform together and hang out. We even frequently ask each other to open for our own concerts. No one is awesome-ly horrible to anyone.
5. Are girls in your group actually that close?
Finally, a true one! Yes, I can honestly say that after being in an all-female group for four years with about 30 different girls, I am very (almost uncomfortably) close with all of them. We talk about anything and everything and have no boundaries with each other.
6. Are there inter-aca relations?
Oh yes. I have seen many a couple formed in the a cappella world. Why would you NOT want a significant other who can harmonize with you at the drop of a hat?
7. Are these huge a cappella competitions real?
Yes! The International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA's) is very real. In fact, many University of Minnesota a cappella groups have competed in the ICCA's. While there is not exactly a world competition as portrayed in "Pitch Perfect 2", the ICCA's are shown in the first movie and are pretty cool!
8. Is cardio necessary?
No, we don't rehearse for two hours, seven days a week and there is no cardio involved. Most groups rehearse two hours, twice a week and while there is some movement and choreography with their songs, it's never enough to have to put in outside workout time. However, singing and dancing on stage is surprisingly tiring and having strong lungs can really help!
9. Please tell me you don't add "aca" to the beginning of words
Sorry. It's aca-awful and we kind of know that, but it's also super aca-addicting.
10. Can a cappella really sound like that?
Yes! OK, the audio equipment available to the Barden Bellas is way better than any college group has, and yes, voices have probably been altered in the movie, but a cappella is amazing! Singers and beat boxers can make sounds with their mouths that you would never think possible. Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that there are no instruments present and a cappella STILL sounds that cool!
11. Is "Let's Talk-Appella" real?
I kind of wish. Those two are hilarious and would make every concert and competition more entertaining. Sadly, we don't have radio talkshow hosts following us around.
12. Is performing actually that fun?
Definitely. The best moments of my college career were spent on stage singing with my a cappella group. I could not be more thankful for the four years I spent with these ladies and I'm definitely gonna be one of those creepy old people singing in an a cappella group in the hallway outside of my group's concerts.
