Had this semester started off like any other on the Hill, a series of a cappella concerts performed by Hamilton’s various student groups would have welcomed the class of 2024 to campus. Weeklong auditions for all prospective singers would follow, along with the chance to meet current group members and leaders. But with the return of students to campus this fall, many clubs and organizations have had to rethink their activities to adhere to health guidelines set by the College. Despite the obstacles that lay before them, Hamilton’s a capella culture will continue to thrive!

Starting the week of September 7th, all five a cappella groups (Duelly Noted, Special K, Hamiltones, Tumbling After, and Buffers) will schedule 15-minute time slots and host auditions via Zoom for all new members. Although these conditions are not perfect and there is always the chance for technological problems to occur, president of Tumbling After, Olivia Wenzel ’21, commented that “hopefully we will be able to get a good sense of their voices and make the right decisions for callbacks.” Unlike auditions, callbacks will take place in person this year, accompanied by masks and social distancing. Although masks might add another unnecessary challenge to this process, the presidents are fully aware of this. President of Duelly Noted, Isabel Bates ’21, stated that “we really cannot judge anyone for how they sing with masks on. Especially when singing, masks make it difficult for breath support, and we have to take into consideration other health issues such as asthma.”

The groups are ecstatic to be back together, especially following last year’s shortened semester. In the spring, it is a tradition for each senior in the group to select a “senior solo.” President of Special K, Josephine (Josie) Blatt ’21 explained that “each senior typically chooses a song that embodies themself as a person, or of their time at Hamilton. Then the group arranges it together so that the song can be performed during senior week, the last hurrah for seniors on campus before commencement.” Unfortunately, of the four Special K seniors, only one got to perform this personal project and two others had just begun the arrangements when campus closed down. The groups remain hopeful that by the time May rolls around, the circumstances will be different for this year’s seniors. Even though there will be no in-person concerts this semester, the groups will rehearse once or twice a week for limited hours. Special K is specifically looking into singer masks for use while practicing together, and all groups are working closely with Student Activities to make the most of limited space. There will be several opportunities to see all five perform this semester via Zoom!

During such an unprecedented time, all three seniors stressed that a cappella brings people together despite social distance. Wenzel encouraged first years who are even considering auditioning to just go for it, saying “it’s so easy to feel restricted during these times, but a cappella is an activity that you are actually able to do! For just an hour or so every week, it could bring a sense of ‘normalcy’ or provide a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for everyone involved.” All three presidents boasted about their groups’ supportive, hard-working, and respectable performers, and each can agree that joining a cappella is an amazing way to form new connections. If you are looking for a new club to join this semester, know that all five a cappella groups on campus are dedicated to making sure their voices continue to be heard!