Measure for Measure: All-female groups

Each Friday an A Cappella Blog contributor will take a look at both sides of a controversial, interesting, or seemingly random statement related to collegiate a cappella.

We welcome you to weigh in on the topic at hand by posting a comment. We also welcome readers to offer up their own statements for our writers to consider, Measure for Measure.

In winning the 2007 ICCA crown, Noteworthy proved that all-female groups are every bit as much of a threat in competition as their all-male or mixed counterparts.

True: You can’t deny the evidence. While some may have quibbles with Noteworthy’s first place finish in the finals, no one can deny that the group was among the best, and had every right to perform on the finals stage. All-female groups have every bit as much potential to master the technical parts of music as any other group, and a group like Noteworthy proves that women can be every bit as engaging when it comes to performance.

False: Noteworthy is among an elite few all-female groups who make up an exception, not a rule, in competitive collegiate a cappella. Male and co-ed groups generally seem to bring more confidence to the stage than women’s groups. Confidence generally translates into higher energy and better entertainment value. Furthermore, guys groups seem to have more lee-way in what they can perform and how, with voices and appearances better suited to rocking tunes, as well as comedic pieces. While there are absolutely all-female groups that will fare well in competition, let us consider that, in last year’s ICCA tournament, only one all-female group made it to the finals. It is not legitimate to say that all-female groups pose an equal threat to all-male and mixed ensembles.

Related posts:

1. Measure for Measure: Should groups only perform new songs?
2. Measure for Measure: Professional groups at collegiate shows
3. Measure for Measure: The arrangements groups use for competition
4. Measure for Measure: The number of groups at a quarterfinal
5. Measure for Measure: Blake Lewis and the a cappella world