It’s hard to walk around UVa without bumping into an a cappella group. There are around twenty groups on grounds, and each group has its own strengths and specialties. Attending a cappella concerts is one of my favorite weekend pastimes at UVa, and over my first year I tried to go to as many as I could. Here I present a few of my “UVa a cappella awards” for some groups that I felt deserved recognition in certain areas.
1. Most mind-blowing harmonies: The New Dominions
I went to the NewDos concert last spring, having never seen them perform before, and I was absolutely blown away by their incredible harmonies and musicality. Their concert in McLeod Hall was truly a sonic powerhouse and I am so excited to see what musical arrangements they present to us this semester!
2. Most daring song choice: HoosITS with “Satisfied” from Hamilton
Unfortunately I could not attend the HoosITS concert last spring, but I heard them perform this song at Rotunda Sing this year and I was thoroughly impressed. Not only did they capture the “rewinding” aspect of the song brilliantly, but their arrangement brought all of the parts of the complicated song together in a magical way that was extremely fun to watch.
Bucket list concert to attend this semester: Hoos In Treble
I saw these fabulous ladies perform at Dorm Sing a couple of times, and at Singfest last spring, and I absolutely love their flawless vocal blend. I’m sad I overlooked their concerts as a first year, but I will not make that mistake again. HIT is truly a group to watch.
Group with (rightfully) the most street cred: Hullabahoos
Arguably the frattiest of the UVa a cappella groups, the Hullabahoos legend extends well beyond UVa grounds. They have performed on ESPN, at Redskins training camp, and in a little-known indie movie called Pitch Perfect. Their performances always get the audience screaming and clapping with delight, and they deserve it. The Hullabahoos have some absolute jams in their song catalogue, and if I were to buy a CD from any a cappella group, I’d buy theirs.
Best soloists (and best attire): The Virginia Gentlemen
The VGs are well-known on grounds for being UVa's oldest a cappella group and for regularly performing in Old Cabell Hall. Their concerts may cost $10, and I may never have actually been to one, but I can tell you definitively that they are well worth it. The VGs always look fantastic on stage in their matching jackets, khakis, and bow ties.
They also sound amazing at all times; I binge-watched their concert videos over the summer to get excited for school starting. Their soloists last semester were outstanding and I can't wait to see what songs they bless us with this fall.
Standout group at Rotunda Sing 2016: The Flying Virginians
Rotunda Sing is one of my favorite UVa traditions, and this year I was thrilled to actually be able to hear the groups singing. While I genuinely loved every group, I do think that the Flying Vs performed at a particularly high level that was very exciting to watch. Their singing was focused and intense, and I now fully intend to see them in concert this year. They are one of UVa’s newer a cappella groups, but they are, most definitely, rising.
Best overall concert experience: Academical Village People
They are UVa’s “most” a cappella group, and every AVP concert is, plainly and simply, an experience. They light up the stage every time they perform, their skits and videos are ridiculous, and they are just so much fun. If you want to enjoy an a cappella concert and subsequently feel really pumped up about life, you should get on over to McLeod Hall this semester and see what AVP is all about. You will never think of a cappella in the same way after seeing them. They are well worth your time.
Come early October, chances are there will be an a cappella concert to attend nearly every weekend. I only featured seven groups in this list, but there are so many more amazing and wonderful groups at UVa that deserve your time. The a cappella culture is a wonderful creative outlet that all UVa students should take advantage of during their time on grounds.
