As I waited outside of a cappella group Redefined’s rehearsal space, I could already hear the musicianship pouring out from inside.
When I knocked and made my way inside, I was invited to sit in a circle with the group as they began to workshop the songs they were preparing for their upcoming gigs. From there, they got to work.
To begin the rehearsal, sophomores Lesley Levy and Ross Sroda sang “Demons” by Guster. To celebrate Redefined’s 15th anniversary at their show April 30, the group has been working on numbers from group’s past. Redefined first performed “Demons” in 2009.
After the song ended, the group members went around and each offered their constructive criticism and praise equally. It was clear that, as a group, Redefined relies heavily on open communication in order to become better as a whole. They all want the best for each other, so in each workshop they identify each member’s strengths and encourage one another to reach their full potential.
Next was “Seventeen” by Lake Street Dive followed by “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” by The Temptations. Fellow group members responded with a great deal of excitement after sophomore Elise Wenberg and junior Sawyer Olson, performed a new song, “Seventeen.”
More of a classic hit, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” sung by senior Reed Dhein put the group into a feel good mood as the rehearsal moved forward.
Once the solo workshop was over, Redefined assembled into a semi-circle and began to run the group numbers they will be performing. It was in this moment that one could see Redefined really shine.
The magic of Redefined lies in the moments where each member fully buys into what they are singing. During “Send My Love” by Adele, the sheer power the group performed with displayed a deep understanding of the song’s message. With freshman Edie Block singing the powerhouse solo, the rest of the group answered her call with an equally commanding response. That intimate moment where the group members felt so proud of each other left a large impact.
At the end of each rehearsal, Redefined does what they call “check out,” where the group members go around and say something they are looking forward to in the coming weeks. Without hesitation, each member said they were looking forward to their upcoming show the most.
A true sense of teamwork and love of what they create together is at the core of Redefined. What a special group of performers to be surrounded by — even just for a night.
