While many students started to buckle down at Lilly Library last Monday, musically minded students still had something else to look forward to: auditions.
Following the thrilling "Tuning Up!" concert on the eve of the first day of classes, swarms of aspiring a cappella hopefuls—ranging from sing-in-the-shower amateurs to high school music all-stars—signed up for a chance to be in one of Duke's eight a cappella groups. The criterion is pretty self-explanatory. Sing a few scales to test your range and follow it up with a solo to show off your skills. Sounds easy... right?
Don’t kid yourself, my friend. At a school like Duke, the competition is anything but. Beginning last Tuesday night, Biddle Music Hall abounded in commotion, marking the start of the tryout period. Spirits ran high and nerves even higher as dozens of people tried to coax their way into just a handful of spots.
Amidst the tension however, it was not an easy task from the judge’s end of the table either. Many current a cappella group members said that choosing new members may even be a harder process than trying out.
"This year’s competition was extremely stiff," said Alex Brockoff in the Pitchforks. "We had a lot of people—nearly 100 guys—come out and [we] spent hours deliberating on decisions.”
With the odds and competition stacked this high, for only a lucky few, making an a cappella group is a dream come true.
“I’m extremely honored to have been accepted as a member of Duke’s Rhythm and Blue," said freshman Adriana Froehlich. "I can’t wait to work together with them!”
With a cappella auditions come and gone, this is not to say that there aren’t other opportunities for performing on campus as well. Currently, auditions are still being held for Defining Movement, Duke University’s multicultural dance group.
“Explore in-depth your own ideas," said Spencer Paez of DefMo. "Know what it means to you. If you want us to see who you are, learn to show it through dance.”
All in all, it’s safe to say that these past two weeks has been an unforgettable and exciting experience for the Class of 2015 (along with the mini-earthquake, Irene and the DukeALERT tornado watch). Congratulations to everyone who made their way into their performing group of choice, and best of luck for all those who are still auditioning. And for everyone who didn’t get into a group this first time around, don’t fret.
“It's not uncommon for us to not give someone a callback the first go around, but when they audition again, they get into the group," said AJ Biggers of R&B.
Either way, we can all look forward to the amazing performances yet to come.
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