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For the first time in the history of the
The groups hope to raise money for select local charities during the orgy of a cappella music, jokes and beautiful people. The ensembles will each be bringing their unique musical styles and personalities to the show in the hope that they can achieve something greater together than they ever could apart.
Just how distinct each of the bands are became very evident while sitting in on a few of their regularly scheduled rehearsals.
The all-male MadHatters feature a collection of outlandish personalities and musical talent. Before rehearsal, the MadHatters mill about their practice room trading jokes.? With increasing volume, the guys try to one-up each other with one ridiculous comment after another.
?We are honestly just a bunch of dorks that like to sing,? said production manager Mike Jurken. ?We are on Cloud 9 when we are on stage no matter what, because we are with each other doing what we love.?
And it shows. As soon as it is time to get down to business, the shenanigans melt away into the cool, tight harmonies the group is known for.
The next act, Redefined, revels in the creativity and opportunities afforded them by their co-ed composition. As they start to sing the number ?Underground,? it is clear that Redefined is not your average a cappella group. With both men and women, they can easily cover a very wide vocal range, which results in some very complex and interesting layers of harmony and rhythm. Their creative juices continue to flow as they burst into movement, both choreographed and spontaneous, throughout the rehearsal process.
The all-female group Tangled Up In Blue prides itself on superb musical richness. As the women begin rehearsal, the musical director is busy breaking in some new singers. The expectations for Tangled Up In Blue are very high; they throw their new members right into the fire, asking them to quickly learn a library of scores. Not only that, but all members are expected to maintain a traditional level of excellence.
?Our low voices are really strong. ? We want to sound full and not top-heavy like many women?s groups tend to be,? said business manager Emily Nelson.
Contrastingly, the all-male Fundamentally Sound is the newest group on campus. They were too cool to let me sit in on their rehearsal, so I?ll let singer Cameron Marston tell you what is special about them: ?We, like the other groups, have a signature style and attract a unique audience. We have ? since our inception ? been the most racially diverse group on campus. We’ve exemplified that by being the first a cappella group to perform at Multicultural Orientation and Reception and by being a regular act at events with the Black Student Union.?
On the prospect of working together, all of the groups couldn?t seem happier.
?We always support each other at our shows and love to perform at gigs together when we get the chance,? said Alli Schoen, musical director for TUIB. ?Even though each group wants to sound their best, our goal is to spread an appreciation for a cappella music throughout Madison, and we all work together to do that.?
?The relations with the other groups are great,? MadHatter Jurken added. ?We oftentimes have parties or hang out.?
Each a cappella group will be donating their share of the proceeds to a worthy cause. ?Fundamentally Sound will be donating the bulk of what we raise in ticket sales to The American Cancer Society through UW-Madison’s Relay for Life event,? Marston said, adding Redefined will be donating their share of the proceeds to Madison?s chapter of the American Red Cross.
?Tangled Up In Blue will be giving theirs to
If these causes alone aren?t enough to motivate you to attend the A Cappella Showcase, then the opportunity to see each group ? The MadHatters, Redefined, Tangled Up In Blue and Fundamentally Sound ? onstage in all their diverse talent should be. There are even rumors that the groups may be doing a short joint piece. So go buy your tickets now.
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The A Cappella Showcase will be held Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Union Theater. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for general admission.
