When I tell people that I’m in college a cappella, a common reaction that I get is, “Soooo... is it kinda like Pitch Perfect?!” As a fellow alto/mezzo soprano a cappella-er, I have decided to formally give you my take on why being in college a cappella is almost like being in Pitch Perfect:

1. We play singing games similar to the Riff-Off.

Some examples include Song Circle and improv harmonizing. Also, if you haven't seen the Riff-Off from the first movie, search "The Riff-Off" on Youtube; it's life-changing.

2. Just like the Barden Bellas and the Treblemakers from the movie, we also have multiple a cappella groups.

Some co-ed, others all-male or all-female. There are faith-based, soundtrack-based, Disney-based groups: anything you can think of.

3. Social mixers and parties go down between different a cappella groups.

Let's just say that drunk harmonizing is not uncommon during a cappella parties.

4. A Cappella becomes your life.

A cappella is inevitably your life when even 7 to 10 hours of rehearsal and choreography a week isn't enough to prepare for a performance.

5. Gigs and concerts are frequent and are popular amongst the student body.

We often joke that a cappella is a bigger deal than our Division-III sports. Don't worry, college athletes! I'm sure they're joking... Right?

6. Remember the a cappella competition in Pitch Perfect? Yea, that's a real thing.

Many incredibly talented groups compete in the ultimate a cappella showdown called ICCAs.

7. "Aca-" is a prefix we use in front of words.

No shame.

8. Recruiting season is extremely intense and immediately followed by multiple days of auditions.

You'll find us at activity fairs, information sessions, basically any event at the beginning of each semester. At least we don't recruit in communal showers.

9. There is a Fat Amy in every group.

Just kidding, I wish.

10. Aca-cest exists.

Whether it be within an a cappella group or between members of different groups, aca-dating happens fairly frequently.

11. No matter how dysfunctional each group can get, we're one big fam teeming with aca-love <3

College a cappella is an amazing community that I am so blessed to be a part of. A cappella is my safe haven, the source of my best friends and favorite memories. My college life would not be complete without it~