We perform for large crowds, we throw in some dance moves sometimes while we're on stage, and most importantly, we make music with only our mouths.
An a cappella group is a family of talented people who share a love for singing, and each other. If you were looking for a reason to join one of your school's a cappella groups this semester, you've found the article for you! Here's a list of reasons why you should consider auditioning this semester.
1. Auditions aren't always like the ones on "Pitch Perfect"
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Not all schools use the auditorium for auditions. A lot of them are closed auditions where it's just you and the board members of each group you audition for in some classroom. Some are even blind auditions, for which the judges can't see you! The object of auditions is not to make you feel uncomfortable. We work hard to make sure everyone feels welcomed and excited to sing for us! It's also easier to tell how someone actually sounds when they're not nervous. If you're worried about being booed offstage, don't be. This isn't "America's Got Talent." This is a family looking for new members. We want to hear you sing your heart out!
Also, if you don't make it the first time, AUDITION AGAIN. Some years, it's really hard to choose new members because there's just SO much talent at our school. Sometimes there will be years where there's just too many people we want to accept, and we have to let some of them down. Even if this first semester isn't your time to shine, don't let that discourage you too much. Keep trying! Things always work out for the best.
2. You don't have to be a soloist if you don't want to, but the option is always there!
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If you don't want the spotlight on you, don't worry about it! Not everyone likes having a solo, and there's no rule saying you have to audition for one. In fact, some people just naturally have voices that sound better paired with someone else, or harmonizing. There's nothing wrong with that. And after a year or so of being in a group, you'll probably be so comfortable enough with everyone that auditioning won't seem so scary.
Also, there will be lots of opportunities for solos. Your chances improve of getting one the more you audition for songs, and people will see that you're taking this seriously. If solos are your thing, you have more than enough opportunities given to you when you join a group. If you'd rather be in the background, that's a perfectly acceptable option as well.
3. Traveling for performances is aca-mazing.
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You'll understand why we go to (and host) Invitationals so much once you join. The a cappella community doesn't just include the groups at your school; it includes groups from around the country! We love meeting and singing with groups from other schools. You'll meet people from all over the state, the country, even the world, depending on how big your group is. Traveling + Singing = Perfection
P.S. The after-parties are usually pretty awesome too.
4. You learn a lot of valuable info about music.
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Okay. I'm an English major, and didn't think learning about music was necessarily important for what I want to do with my life. Boy, was I wrong. We live in a world that is obsessed with music, and you learn a lot of nifty stuff from being in an a cappella group. Matching pitch, reading sheet music, and harmonizing are a few of the things you learn to help improve your singing skills. A lot of people who join musical groups, like an a cappella group, come out of the experience with a wider vocal range too! You also learn about projection and stage presence, which are very important tools for the business world (AKA the world we'll all have to work with at some point). Take the opportunity to learn this stuff while you can in a really fun way. :)
5. It's a great way to get connected with other people and groups on campus.
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Having a hard time branching out on campus? Need more people to hang out with after class or catch lunch with? Want to see what other clubs are like, but are too scared to go to one of their meetings (me freshman year)? JOIN AN A CAPPELLA GROUP. We interact with several other organizations on campus, and in the area of our school. A lot of times, other clubs will invite a cappella groups to perform at functions they're holding, which gives you a chance to check out what being in that club is like. So when the fall comes back around and you feel like joining clubs, you'll already know people from when you worked with them with your a cappella group!
6. They'll become the family you always wanted.
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You're all different. You have different majors, different interests, and different reasons for singing. However, you are all bonded through one group, one group of students who just want to sing and have some fun. Your a cappella group becomes your family, and some of your fondest memories that you'll carry with you after graduation will probably come from the wacky adventures you all had together. If you're looking for a group of weirdos who love to perform and love their school, audition this semester. You won't regret it.
