Brandon Griffin, Vice President of CU a cappella group Mile 21, sings the solo for "Man in the Hall," originally by State Radio but arranged for the group by Mile 21's Music Director Peter Driscoll, at a rehearsal on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Griffin does vocal percussion for many of the group's songs. (CU Independent/Adam Milner)
CU’s student a cappella groups are devoting their time to creating unique, fresh music.
“We are not the barbershop quartet you might be thinking of,” said Mary Foster, president and member of mixed a cappella group, Mile 21.
Foster, a 21-year-old senior finance major, said their group sings songs that many students listen to and will recognize.
“Our music is a lot different from ‘choir music’,” Foster said.
This is apparent when she says their music repertoire includes songs by Timbaland, Jason Mraz and State Radio.
In the Buff, a men’s a cappella group on campus, also sings modern songs. Some of their tunes include “Soul Meets Body” by Death Cab for Cutie and a mashup song that combines Fat Boy Slim and Creedence Clearwater songs.
“A big difference is the entertainment value,” said Taylor Hamill, business manager and member of In the Buff.
Hamill, a 20-year-old marketing major, said the a cappella performances are fun and upbeat.
“The energy is really high. We are first and foremost an entertainment group. We also just happen to be singers,” Hamill said.
Because a cappella groups don’t use any sound-making devices other than their vocal chords, they must rely on their voices to supply the instrumental parts of the songs.
“A lot of people don’t understand the intricacies of mimicking instruments with voices,” Hamill said.
Students say they enjoy a cappella performances.
“I think they are very talented. You have to be very skilled to do that,” said Megan Stark, an 18-year-old open-option freshman. She said she has seen a cappella groups perform.
There are several a cappella groups affiliated with the university and they typically have concerts several times a year. In the Buff will hold a concert Oct. 16 in Math 100 at 7 pm. Tickets are $3 or two for $5. Mile 21 will host a concert in November. The official date will be posted at their Web site: http://www.mile-21.com/.
To get a taste of these a cappella groups, follow these links to view their performances:
In the Buff- “Army” by Ben Folds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCbNcbasByk.
Mile 21- “Represent Cuba” by Orisha: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J71n5Um-ZxE.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Mary Rochelle at Mary.rochelle@colorado.edu.
2 comments
I love the review of the Avett Brothers new album. Davis Brown does an amazing job of describing their new sound.
that man in the picture seems to be making an odd gesture