This week at Temple, it is a pivotal time, particularly at the Boyer College of Music...because it is a capella audition week! This means my group and I have the pleasure of partaking in the selection process for new members joining us this season. As I watched one person after another audition, I started to reminisce on what it was like for me just a few months back, and how my life has changed drastically in just one semester!

1. You check your calendar and realize today's the big day!

Not to mention, you've been practicing the solo piece of your choice nonstop for weeks in the car... and in the shower... and anywhere else you can think of.

2. Twelve hours later, and your hand is trembling as you walk through the doors of the audition room.

Thoughts I had at the time consisted of the following:

Those girls that went before me sounded like the next Whitney Houston! Why couldn't I have been blessed with vocal cords like theirs?

Oh my goodness, I'm going to forget all the words!

What if they make me sight-read?

These people are all staring and grinning at me weirdly... what do I say? Is it something I'm wearing? I'm attracting attention, aren't I?

This is a disaster just bound to happen. *internal facepalm*

3. You sing your piece, along with some pitch-matching with the piano and sight-reading... and all the apprehension has suddenly left your body.

And my post-audition thought went a little something like this...

Huh, that was it? That was quick... I guess it wasn't as bad as I made it to be. I freaked out for nothing!

4. And now it's time to play the waiting game.

After the audition, you get the response you dread the most from the director-- Great job! Keep checking your inbox. We'll be getting back to you sometime this week!

And so, you lose your cool as you await for that email notification to arrive.

5. The email has reached its destination-- the inbox! You're in!

You: OMG, I cannot acca-believe it! I'm totally not jumping up and down, and squealing with joy!

6. First rehearsal comes along, and it went smoother than expected.

High school a capella certainly prepared, and exceeded the expectations for how rigorous learning music, making sure dynamics are taken into consideration, and most importantly, over-enunciating vowels and consonants can be.

7. Weeks of rehearsal flash before your eyes, and it hits you... your first performance is this weekend!

I promise you, all aspects of the music for the gig is stored in your long-term memory. You and the rest of the group are going to steal the show together! But no pressure, mom and dad will be there watching you. So will your friends from home... and don't forget, grandma and grandpa!

8. First concert: flawless! Check. You know what that means!

IT'S TIME TO BOND AND LET LOOSE AT THE AFTER-PARTY! Besides, after endless late-night practices and your diet solely consisting of lemon tea and H2O, you and the rest of the group earned a night to treat yo'selves.

P.S. Do expect some karaoke, Just Dance on the Wii, and maybe a 'Riff-Off'?

9. One successful season is over, and you cannot wait for the next! Hooray, you have left first semester with confidence, tactic, and one big, happy aca-family.

I cannot even begin to describe the inner joy that arises from being in an a capella group. Not only does being in one encompass a journey of self-discovery as a vocal performer, but you have produced beautiful music with an astounding group of individuals, who wouldn't mind breaking into song in public with you.

Audition this week, pitches!