Name: Jason Berk
Year: Sophomore
Organization: Rip_Chord
When did you start singing and why?
I’ve been singing my whole life. My older sister would always complain that I was always making some sort of noise, usually singing. I didn’t actually start pursuing music in any kind of actual setting until middle school. Every year, the 6th grade drama class put on a short production, creatively dubbed, “The 6th Grade Play.” Everyone else in my class hated it, but I loved it, and that sparked my passion for singing in front of audiences.
What’s your favorite part about Rip_Chord?
My favorite part about Rip_Chord is the people. The guys in the group are some of my closest friends at Elon, which is good considering the copious amount of time we spend together. It also helps that we make some killer music together.
Do you have a favorite song you guys have sang this year?
My favorite song that we sing is a hymn called “I Need Thee.” The arrangement is the most complex one that we do, and it requires the most musicality to perform well. When all we do is pop music, it’s easy to go on autopilot and forget key musical aspects that make great acapella music. This song really forces everyone in the group to focus, and it allows us to really connect and listen to each other as performers.
Do you prefer a certain genre of music?
I love all kinds of music! Rap, pop, funk, oldies, country, you name it.
What professionals have inspired your singing?
I have a few different inspirations. Inititally, I wanted to be the next Michael Buble. I know a ton of his music, and regularly find myself needing a dose of Buble. There was also a long period in my life where I wanted to be on Broadway, and was inspired by pretty much everyone who made it there.
So what’s this Hyannis Sound group you’re joining this summer?
Hyannis Sound is a professional acapella group based out of Cape Cod. The group is composed of ten young men, who audition from around the country. The group performs all summer, in addition to a Spring Tour, which takes place in Woodstock, Vermont.
Would you rather be serenaded or serenade someone else?
I would much rather be serenaded. Less pressure.