Photo Courtesy of Public Domain Pictures
Last weekend, Hamilton’s five a cappella groups held auditions to bring in new members. Auditions were held on Sept. 1 and 2. Auditioners displayed their musical skills through scales and pitch matching, and then showed their more creative side by performing a song of their choice. Duelly Noted’s new members, Max Hanrahan ’22, chose to sing “Halloween” from the musical
Rent
, saying that the song “Delivers a lot of emotional intensity in a short time. It also fits neatly within my vocal range.” Libby Militello ’22, a new member of Tumbling After, sang “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder, who she says is “one of [my] favorite artists right now.”
Following auditions, each group held callbacks, during which returning a cappella members were able to more closely evaluate each singer and identify how she or he could add to the group. In contrast to the nature of auditions and callbacks, the process of accepting new members is significantly more lighthearted and exciting; groups walk around campus in the middle of the night, singing to their new members (and usually waking them up in the process).
Tumbling After accepted 5 new members: Militello, Kaela Dunne ’22, Rachel Lee ’22, Amalia Tobias ’21, and Claire McCaslin ’21. Special K has 3 new members: Caly Liss ’22, Carina Krussel ’22, and Aimee Booth ’22. The Hamiltones’ new members are Ally Millar ’22, Nina Merz ’22, Lydia McGinn ’22, and Zach Jones ’22. Duelly Noted accepted Hanrahan and Kaylee Davis ’22. The Buffers accepted 5 new members: Jonathan Shakespeare ’22, Matty Jackmauh ’22, Aaron Simons ’22, Andrew Little ’22, and Jack Grossi ’22.
The Spectator
had the chance to sit down with some of the new members of each a cappella group and learn about their experience with Hamilton a capella so far.
For many, a cappella is a new experience, but a part of college life that they wanted to become involved in. Davis, one of Duelly Noted’s new members, shares that he has “always loved to sing and I had heard some of the group’s music before I came to campus and loved the sound and energy.” Tumbling After’s new member Tobias says, “I love to sing and loved the idea of being part of a group where everyone also loves to do that.”
For other new members, a cappella was an important part of their high school experience and something that they wanted to carry over with them college. Liss, a new member of Special K, says, “I was in an all-female a cappella group for four years in high school. It was such an enriching experience that I knew I wanted to continue.” Millar, one of the Hamiltones’ new members, was also part of an a cappella group in high school, but notes, “The Hamiltones are like no other group I’ve seen or been a part of. It’s so nice to be part of an instant family that has so much fun together.”
The new members are looking forward to their experiences participating in Hamilton acapella. Grossi, a new member of the Buffers says, “My dream song to sing [with the Buffers] would probably be ‘Woods’ by Bon Iver.” New Tumbling After member McCaslin is excited for a cappella to be “a fun way to stay involved in music and make friends who love singing like I do.”
With so many new and enthusiastic singers, all five groups are looking forward to a year full of good music and performances for all Hamilton students to enjoy.
