Ever since the movie Pitch Perfect hit the theaters, it seems collegiate Acapella has blown up. But it was there long before "The Cup Song" became a popular party trick and there are some key differences between Hollywood's interpretation of Acapella and the real Acapella groups out there.
1. We Don't Say "Aca" before everything.
Aca-scuse me? Yes, that's right. We're not as obnoxious as it seems and we do talk like normal human beings. Of course we love to make "aca" puns here and there but it is not a part of our daily vocabulary.
2. We Don't Do Riff-Off's.
While the majority of Acapella members do have the amazing ability to harmonize on demand, we don't make competitions out of it. It definitely took hours of practice for the movie's groups to practice and perfect those songs to make it look effortless so why wouldn't it be like that in real life? (However, we do do improvisational warm-ups but those are just for fun.)
3. It's a lot more supportive than you think.
We aren't here to bash any other group; in fact, we cheer for each one--especially if their performances make our jaws drop. Even more so, there's not a ton of inter-group competition for solos. There's a mutual respect between each member knowing that we're all extremely talented and no one person deserves a solo over anybody else. We're genuinely happy when our members get to belt their hearts out and show their talent.
4. There are Acapella romances.
Just like two people might meet over their love of baseball or Mexican food, sparks can fly between members that share the same love for music. And it's not forbidden between male and female groups. It's encouraged because who doesn't love a group-mash up?
5. Not all of us want to be famous singers or musicians.
Members of an acapella group don't automatically have to be vocal performance majors or in the music school; in fact, there are science majors, english majors, and political science majors among many others. What connects us all is our love for music even though a lot of us aren't looking to be the next Mariah Carey.
6. A lot of the songs are arranged by group members, not professionally.
This just speaks to the sheer talent in the groups that not only can we sing, but some members are wizards with music theory and come up with amazing compositions. It's all organic creations that members can add their input into. This also helps groups stay relevant with new music.
7. We don't all live together like a sorority.
When it comes down to it, Acapella groups are essentially clubs. Just like you can join an environmental club, you don't live with all the members. This doesn't mean that you don't form amazing friendships and end up living with some of the girls in the group, but there's not a set house for each group (the rehearsal rooms are our houses).
8. We don't do blood oaths or hazing.
The community is really supportive and trying to scare new members is not part of the process. The only commitment you need to make is your time and dedication, not your blood.
9. The Acapella community doesn't have crazy rivalries.
Most groups cheer on other groups from their university because it's not a competition of who is better, it's more about celebrating the talent in each group. This isn't to say that their aren't some stiff feelings between groups but it never goes as far as throwing a burrito bomb on someone when they're filling up their gas tank.
10. There's a difference between beatboxing and vocal percussionist.
In the words of the very talented Noelle Flynt of FSU's Acabelles, "Beat boxing is more of the solo art. It's generally much more showing and is done on its own because of the variety of tools used from your 'kit.' Vocal percussion is done when performing with singers. It much more tailored to meet the needs of the arrangement and sometimes replicated to sound like the original song. I personally don't consider myself a beat boxer because I don't have that much variety in my kit, but that's perfectly okay with me. I get a lot more out of adding to the music and really tying an arrangement together than I would just beat boxing on my own."
The amazing world of Acapella is such an wonderful addition to anyone who's musically inclined so get out there and sing your heart out!
