Two new a cappella groups form on campus, follow trend
Maura Allaire
Issue date: 4/18/03 Section: A&E
Students have witnessed an a cappella explosion this semester with the creation of two new music groups, the all-jazz Quintessence and coed Soulfege, joining Cadence and the Chorduroys in the vocal spotlight. At Lafayette, as on many other college campuses, more traditional choral groups seem to find difficulty attracting students to performances while peer-run vocal groups enjoy a good deal of support.
Many a cappella group members believe students flock to their performances, rather than to choir concerts, because their music is more accessible.
Cadence President Lauren Elkinson ’05 said, “It’s a style of music students can relate to because it’s not the typical choir sound.”
“Cadence and Chorduroys primarily sing songs that kids grew up with, songs they’re used to hearing, with a new twist,” said Quintessence tenor David Castelletti ’05.
Lafayette a cappella concerts are well-attended, as students tend to be energetic and receptive. Megan Conway ’06, mezzo-soprano for Quintessence, said that these concerts are “very entertaining,” and that when singing, “the guys can be very cute and the girls can be very involved.”
The student vocalists themselves tend to be more enthusiastic about the a cappella groups than about the Lafayette choir. Smaller, student-run groups represent “more of a democracy,” said Conway.
David Mitchell '05, president of Quintessence, said that student a cappella is a reaction to the rigidity of choir. By singing music outside of the choir program, students enjoy a choice of music, which tends to be student-arranged popular music.
Besides freedom in choosing the music they perform, Mitchell said students have the opportunity to arrange, compose, and transcribe music individually. Furthermore, he said students can gain expertise in leading a vocal group, whereas “only a director runs a choir.”
Many a cappella group members believe students flock to their performances, rather than to choir concerts, because their music is more accessible.
Cadence President Lauren Elkinson ’05 said, “It’s a style of music students can relate to because it’s not the typical choir sound.”
“Cadence and Chorduroys primarily sing songs that kids grew up with, songs they’re used to hearing, with a new twist,” said Quintessence tenor David Castelletti ’05.
Lafayette a cappella concerts are well-attended, as students tend to be energetic and receptive. Megan Conway ’06, mezzo-soprano for Quintessence, said that these concerts are “very entertaining,” and that when singing, “the guys can be very cute and the girls can be very involved.”
The student vocalists themselves tend to be more enthusiastic about the a cappella groups than about the Lafayette choir. Smaller, student-run groups represent “more of a democracy,” said Conway.
David Mitchell '05, president of Quintessence, said that student a cappella is a reaction to the rigidity of choir. By singing music outside of the choir program, students enjoy a choice of music, which tends to be student-arranged popular music.
Besides freedom in choosing the music they perform, Mitchell said students have the opportunity to arrange, compose, and transcribe music individually. Furthermore, he said students can gain expertise in leading a vocal group, whereas “only a director runs a choir.”