The Lawn was filled with expectant students Wednesday night, eager to check out new a cappella tunes and find their a cappella crush for the year. But behind those cute faces is beginning-of-the-year stress: A cappella groups around Grounds have been busily preparing for the Rotunda Sing as well as auditioning new students since the first day of school.
Because the
Rotunda sing was postponed, the original intent of the event was skewed.
"We were suppose to have auditions after Rotunda sing, but when it got moved the girl groups all decided to just keep try-outs as they were," second-year College student and 'Hoos in Treble member Tricia Kolar said.
Auditions for HIT included a random question survey to get a feel for the girls' personalities and their interests at U.Va. in addition to the music.
"It's hard to decide because we only have 15 minutes to make a decision," Kolar said.
For newcomers who regret not getting involved after hearing new members' names announced at the Rotunda sing, there's still time. Several groups are holding try-outs today and into the weekend. Hullabahoos auditions are today and tomorrow in Lawn Room 39, and the Academical Village People will be holding auditions today and tomorrow in Lawn Room 53.
Both of these groups have information on their Web sites specifically pertaining to auditions. The Hullabahoos allow a 10-minute time block for each audition and refer to the process as "simple and fun." AVP includes audition tips on their Web site, including advice for choosing a song, concentration points pointing out that singing scales are preferred over short choppy notes and the typical pep-talk "relax" and "have fun."
There are also a capella options besides the nine that appeared at the Rotunda sing.
The O'Tones, a co-ed Asian group, began their try-outs yesterday and will be completing them today. According to second-year College student and music director Amy Baik, auditions will test singers on tone, pitch, range, sight reading and a song performance of their choice.
"The amount of people we take each time varies depending on what strengths and weaknesses we have. This time we think we are taking five," Baik said.
Although new members to the group are chosen at the beginning of the semester and a concert is given only a few months later, the time between is sufficient to prepare.
"It was really easy for me last year because we usually meet about twice per week and the way we get along is like a close-knit little family. We feel very comfortable with songs by the time the concert rolls around," Baik said.
With the Rotunda Sing over and tryouts almost finished, a capella groups and their fans now turn their attention to fall concerts.
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