TakeNote of This

 

What is it like to be a part of Clemson’s only all-female a cappella group? It’s 

 

not easy, that’s for sure. As a proud member of this amazing group of singers, I want 

 

to share with you some behind-the-scenes information about our members.  

 

TakeNote is comprised of 12-16 auditioned women, who are also members of 

 

either Clemson University Singers (also an auditioned ensemble) or Women’s Choir 

 

(no auditions required!). Members of our group arrange all of our music with help 

 

from our faculty advisor, David Conley. We release albums, learn music, give 

 

performances, and compete on the local and national level, all while finding the time 

 

to be full-time students. We rehearse twice a week and hold auditions every 

 

semester. It is a competitive process and we pride ourselves on the talent and 

 

dedication of our members. Here’s what they have to say: 

 

 

 

“Being a part of TakeNote means that I get to put what I love as a priority – and 

 

work with some of the most talented and funny girls on campus along the way.” (Stephanie Hong, freshman)

 

 

“The best part about being in TakeNote is getting to sing current music with a group 

 

of girls who are just as enthusiastic about a cappella as I am. Everyone works 

 

together to put a creative twist on each piece and it’s amazing the hear the final product.” (Kaitlyn Scola, junior)

 

 

“A family friend was in the group, and encouraged me to audition. I love singing, so I 

 

decided to go for it.” (Baylee Brown, soph.)

 

 

“I wanted to be a part of something I’d been denied all through high school. 

 

TakeNote looked like heaven to me as an incoming freshman.” (Sallie McLeod, junior)

 

 

“When I first saw TakeNote perform, I was so impressed and envious of how much 

 

fun the members were having with each other on stage. I knew I had to be a part of it!” (Meg McCall, senior)

 

 

 

“Trying to combine so many different personalities and putting that into the music. 

 

Your personality is reflected in your voice, and it can be difficult to get that all to 

 

blend. “ (Colleen Kinslow, soph.)

 

 

“The most challenging part is juggling everything. But being in TakeNote has really 

 

taught me a lot about time management.” (Ellen Szubski, senior)

 

 

 

“There’s lots of estrogen.” (Stephanie Hong, freshman)

 

 

“It’s very interesting because there’s 15 girls that have come from different walks of 

 

life. To all come together to do something that we love is amazing.” (Perrin Hines, freshman)

 

 

 

“We have a lot of fun, especially outside of the choir room. I don’t hang out with 

 

people in CU Singers but I hang out with TakeNote every single day.” (Colleen Kinslow, soph.)

 

 

“We use the same choral knowledge. In both settings you’re sight reading, paying 

 

attention to vowels, and you’re surrounded by people you spend a lot of time with 

 

and grow with as musicians. Without what we learn in choir there would be no 

 

TakeNote.” (Hailey McShan, senior)

 

 

 

“People come and go and the group changes every semester but each girl who has 

 

been a part of TakeNote brings something unique and special to the group and that’s 

 

what I love about it.” (Cori Nuttall, junior)

 

 

 

“I will miss the family of TakeNote. It is not just a singing group. We are there for 

 

each other through thick and thin.” (Sarah Disbrow, senior)

 

 

 

“My favorite performances are passionate, sexy, powerful, emotional, adrenaline 

 

driven performances.” (Sallie McLeod, junior)

 

 

“My favorite performances are concerts because all of our hard work is showcased 

 

in one night and our songs are performed at the highest level.” (Kaitlyn Scola, junior)

 

 

 

“It keeps the beat so we don’t get on different rhythms. It keeps everyone together 

 

and adds energy to every song.” (Hali Greenhouse, senior)

 

 

 

“TakeNote keeps me sane. It is so different from everything else I do and offers 

 

something to de-stress me and take my mind off academics.” (Ellen Szubski, senior)

 

 

“I think it’s taught me a lot about time management and commitment. I’ve become a 

 

more organized, adult person because we constantly have stuff going on, gigs to 

 

attend, music to arrange. It’s helped me find a balance.” (Emily Leiendecker, junior)

 

 

TakeNote helps me build by confidence, especially with public speaking. When 

 

you’re in front of a large crowd it can be intimidating, and when you have to sing in 

 

front of them it’s a completely different story. But just like with anything else, 

 

practice makes perfect.” (Amy Lee, senior)

 

 

 

“Audition and keep coming back if you don’t get in your first try. Focus on your stage 

 

presence and pick a song that’s right for you. Keep a good attitude throughout the 

 

entire process.” (Ali Kerns, soph.)

 

 

“Reach out to us! I love when girls contact me asking what to expect, it makes me 

 

pay special attention to them when they audition. It’s an easy way to make a great 

 

first impression, and we want girls are proactive and passionate.” (Cori Nuttall, junior)

 

 

 

“I think my favorite moment was my first semester when [the group] was singing a 

 

song I didn’t know. The girls said ‘just jump on and sing something’. I was singing 

 

something completely random but it still fit in the chord and it was awesome. It 

 

could’ve been really badly but ended up turning out really well.” (Hali Greenhouse, senior)

 

 

 

 

“Everyone was so nice and encouraged me to come back. During auditions I felt that 

 

they were genuinely thankful that I had tried out.” (Sarah Disbrow, senior)

 

 

 

“Probably ‘Zero to Hero’ because it was one of the hardest songs we had, but once 

 

we got it, it become such a jam and shows how hard work really pays off.” (Baylee Brown, soph.)

 

 

“My favorite song we ever sang was ‘Love You Long Time’. The energy was crazy 

 

because we all loved it and interacted with each other so much.” (Cori Nuttall, junior)