A cappella auditions wrap up
By Mallory Micetich, contributing writer
Posted on September 7, 2006

On Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m., time and position mattered in the Music Building. Once the a cappella sign-up sheets are posted, everyone is clamoring to get the best time slot possible. The earlier the time spot, the better the audition, or so it’s thought. With spots open as late as 3 a.m., settling for a final audition at midnight was a dream for sophomore Biz Bahn.

Bahn was nervous when auditioning, but after hopping around and twirling, things were better. “It was intimidating, but an adrenaline rush,” she said. Tuesday night Bahn had four auditions, with one remaining for Wednesday night. She said she would rather come back again than have a time spot past 1 a.m.  Even if she doesn’t make it, she will still audition again, to, as she said, become  desensitized.

Others come into the situation knowing exactly how bad the odds are against them. Freshman Kelly Kolar’s nerves went away when she really thought about the numbers.

“I am going to give my all and have fun doing it,” said Kolar. 

Auditions have a different meaning for the a cappella community. For each group ,the executive boards are in the audition room. The other members are walking around the halls making things a little less nerve-racking.  Low Key’s Tiffany Kim now gets to walk around calming people down and showing them what the groups is about.

“We’re just like a family,” said Kim. “If you sing, a cappella is a great community to be a part of.”

General auditions started on Tuesday and ended last night — almost.  If any group liked what they heard or saw, auditioner could expect a phone call between 3 and 4 a.m. Thursday.  Call backs are more personal and it provides an opportunity for the auditioner to actually sing with a JMU a cappella group.

During auditions, there is a diversity of piece selections. Madison Project secretary Blaine Young II said he’s seen solo performances that have drawn from Disney to R & B. The BluesTones require each participant to have a chorus and a verse of a song that shows their vocal talent. The groups are looking for popular pieces, and not looking for show tunes. Rachel Tombes, BluesTones’ president said the group she heads is looking not just for musical talent but also commitment.

“If you’ve got talent, we’ll see it,” she said. 

Freshman Thomas Leahy hoped that his past experiences with singing will get him into an all-male group. Opening for a super star group like Chicago has made him more confident. He is most excited about the idea of performing with the groups.

Members of the a cappella community want to stress everyone is family. “Although the a cappella community is competitive, we are all in it together. My really good friends are all a cappella,” said Young.