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.

This week’s topic: While collegiate a cappella is thriving in its current state, it has likely hit a ceiling, and is not likely to reach a broader audience than it already has.

(more…)

We welcome clip suggestions from anyone who would like to submit them.

This week, in our final Tuesday Tubin’ for this season, we highlight one of the year’s finest performances, the USC SoCal VoCals performing Queen’s “Somebody To Love.”

This week’s topic: The current ICCA structure, in which the top two groups from each quarterfinal advance to the semis, and the winners of each semifinal go on to finals is the best structure possible for the ICCAs as they exist now.

(more…)

The A Cappella Blog (ACB): In 2007, The Rip Chords advanced to the Midwest region semifinals of the ICCA, placing third. What has the group learn from competing, and how has competition affected the group?

Anna Bussing (AB): Some groups decide each year whether or not they want to compete. For us, there is no question. Competition gives us the opportunity to really attempt to perfect some of our songs and show the community what we can do. Personally, I think it really brings the group together.  Not only do we have a great time at competition, but
with all of the nerves, excitement, long rehearsal hours, etc. we really grow as a group.

Beth Golden (BG): Competition is an experience that we really look forward to every year.  It is a good challenge for us and gives us a long term goal and something to strive towards at the beginning of the year.  Getting feedback (both musical and performance based) is my personal favorite part of the experience because it really helps us see what we need to work on and gives us a real focus towards improvement.  It is also really fun to see other a cappella groups besides those on the U of I campus because you can really learn from their performances and get ideas about what you like to watch/hear and what you don’t like as much.

(more…)

We welcome clip suggestions from anyone who would like to submit them.

This week, Syracuse University Orange Appeal performs “Stand By Me” with a sampling of “Beautiful Girls.”

This week’s topic: You never know who may be watching your a cappella group perform, or what your peers may be wearing to a show. When deciding on a ‘uniform’ for a collegiate a cappella group, it’s best to err on the side of dressing formally.
 

(more…)

The A Cappella Blog (ACB): As a new group, has The Beat developed any unique traditions or rituals among its membership?

The Beat (TB): Not any that stand out aside from the ritual S&M session that occurs at our first rehearsal… but seriously, tradition is one of the reasons it is fun to be part of a new group.  We get to influence the group’s identity and make our own traditions instead of adhering to ones that were made by people that are married and have children already.  The first two years were chock-full simply trying to establish ourselves as a group, but now we can concentrate on the fun stuff.  It’s as simple as thinking “Hey, why don’t we…?”

(more…)

We welcome clip suggestions from anyone who would like to submit them.

This week, The Michigan State University Accafellas perform Yes’s “I’ve Seen All Good People.”

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.

This week’s topic: A lot of the appeal of collegiate a cappella comes from contemporary music choices, and entertaining performance choices, in contrast to more traditional performances from more traditional performance ensembles. With this in mind, a collegiate a cappella show should push boundaries. Skits, multimedia clips, costumes, cameo appearances—bring them all on! The more special attractions at a show, the better.

(more…)

The A Cappella Blog (ACB): Renaissance finished first in its ICCA quarterfinal in 2007. What was it like to achieve this in front of a “home crowd” at the University of Maine?

Molly Webster(MW):It was such an amazing experience. We had put so much work into our set and had come such a huge distance in a fairly limited amount of time, we were just so honored. Oh, man, it was fantastic to perform here at UMAINE and to have such great success. The University’s support means a great deal to us.

(more…)