Four vocal groups at Saint Louis University are teaming up this week to present a one-of-a-kind performance, “Welcome to SLU, A Cappella-Style.” Beyond All Reason , an all-female ensemble, will join the all-male group Bare Naked Statues and coed ensembles Astha and Decadence for a united performance.
The four a cappella groups were invited to perform at SLU’s “Relay for Life,” and have performed together on various special occasions since then. In addition to showcasing their talents, all four groups hope the concert will promote their upcoming auditions.
Two students founded BAR in 2002. The group currently has nine members, but hopes to reach their usual roster of 14 to 16 members after auditions have been completed. “We are the only all-female group on campus and that allows for a unique sound,” BAR Vice President Christine Wanzeck said. “And that allows for a unique sound. Since our vocal ranges are similar, we can perform close, tight-knit harmonies.”
Decadence, the newest of the a cappella groups, began its performances last spring. According to group member Peter Hasser, audition season will present an exciting opportunity to recruit new talent.
“We have 10 members this year, and two that are abroad,” Hasser said. “We are always looking for opportunities to share ‘a ca’ knowledge with other students.”
Each of the a cappella groups will perform a variety of music at “Welcome to SLU.” Most of the songs will be contemporary favorites, including pop, rock, R&B and alternative genres, but BAR said they plan to utilize their own creative talent and adapt these genres to a couple of oldie tunes.
“Like most other collegiate groups, every single one of the songs we perform are arranged or have been arranged by current or previous members,” Wanzeck said. “We will be using our favorite songs from the past, so that even though time is limited for us, we can still give a great show.”
BAR will present one concert per semester, in addition to “Welcome to SLU,” and other performances will also be announced. All four groups will take the unique opportunity “Welcome to SLU” presents to invite other students to attend their upcoming auditions.
The ensembles encourage students from all different musical backgrounds to audition.“If you love to sing, you should come and try out,” Hasser said. “The truth is, we’re all just a bunch of people who absolutely love to sing.”
Auditions for BAR will run from 7-10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12 and Wednesday, Sept. 14 in Xavier Hall. Auditions for Decadence will run Thursday, Sept. 8 and Friday, Sept. 9, also in Xavier. Sign-up sheets will be located in Xavier prior to auditions.
“Welcome to SLU, A Cappella Style” will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1 in the Quad.
