In light of the Pitch Perfect hype, we decided here at Her Campus Durham to interview the president of our very own University A Capella group, ‘The Northern Lights!’ Although in its infancy, being just over 2 years old, it has already taken the university by storm, performing at many events including Castle Summer Ball and St Cuthbert’s Fashion Show. At the beginning of the year they successfully gained a place in the finals at the prestigious ICAs in London and have also performed at the Edinburgh Fringe for 2 consecutive years. They even started this term with a performance, gracing the stage in Newcastle and performing to the one and only Tim Rice! I interviewed their president for an inside scoop……..
So, Luke, what is it you love about a Cappella?
Wow, I don’t really know where to begin with that…I think the bringing together of talented singers with so many different quirks is something to be celebrated. Each voice is unique and brings something special to the group and every rehearsal I just feel so lucky to be amongst such talented students.
If you were to compare yourself to one character in pitch perfect who would it be?
I know everyone in the group thinks that I’m like fat Amy…probably because we are both easily the most talented in our respective groups but we are shunned and abused for our talents. For example, one of our warm ups consists of the entire group singing kill Luke in minor thirds! But in reality I am Bumper, the most handsome and talented male member of the cast who’s already a celebrity in the a capella world
Haha I’m guessing that’s a joke (he just looks at me and grins so I move on) Soooo…What’s your favorite song?
‘September’, ‘Kiss’ by Prince and ‘Move on up’. They’re three of my favorite jams and if they ever come on then I’m guaranteed to be busting a serious groove wherever I am.Is it stressful being a president? What are the most challenging aspects? It is stressful as people obviously have expectations, constantly expecting me to provide them with information about EVERYTHING! It has meant that I have had to learn so much, emerging myself completely in to the role so I can try to meet these demands and provide solutions too.
I can imagine! What specifically has been the hardest, do you think?
Well, it’s difficult leading an exec, especially when everyone has different opinions about what, how and why things should be done. I am very lucky that my team are passionate and each of them brings something unique and valuable to the discussions. Also, it is really hard I think, to know how to deal with other members of the group regarding decisions, especially when they involve your closest friends.
What are your plans for the year?
I have many plans for this year. Firstly I want to integrate more people into the creative process of a Cappella so that members can get involved with not only the performance but the arrangements and the choreography. I also want to place a stronger emphasis on charity and outreach as this year we will be performing in nurseries on the 16th December as well as St Cuthbert’s Care and the Great Northern Children’s Hospital over the festive period. I want to provide a fun and homely environment for the whole group as Northern Lights has been this for me since the day I joined.
(He takes now as an opportunity to advertise the upcoming A cappella christmas concert)
Oh and you must come along to our Christmas Concert on Tuesday the 8th December at Elvet Methodist Church, it will be amazing!
A few light hearted questions now….Have you ever serenaded a love interest?Of course I have! That’s my ace of spades. I love to just whip out my guitar and play a few love songs, that’s why I took it up in the first place.
(Watch out ladies)
And you’re most embarrassing moment at UNI so far?I have had a lot of embarrassing moments…
Likeeeee?…
Like accidentally posting a long motivational speech meant for the a Cappella group as my Facebook status.Or…my worst moment…when I was sat in Aidan’s dining hall and one of my friends walked in with his tray. I looked away and then heard a smash of a plate and looked up to see my friend in shock. For some impulsive reason, I proceeded to stand up in the middle of the room and hurl banterous abuse at my friend who began to look puzzled. He then proceeded to move with his tray and I became confused. I then took this moment to look more carefully and it turns out that it was in fact a random person that I did not even know who had dropped their plate! Everyone began laughing at me and let’s just say that the catering staff were less than impressed with my laddish antics; it was the most awkward moment I have had at University so far.
So the lesson to learn from this mishap is to always wait for someone else to make the first move when having a laugh at your friend’s expense.
Oh gosh…that is embarrassing! What about your best a Cappella moment of the year?
Our headlining gig at the new Vice-Chancellors welcome event as we had everyone (including the Vice-Chancellor) dancing to Uptown Funk! Ultimately, I believe that the Northern Lights are in the business of putting smiles on people’s faces and if we achieve that, it’s a very rewarding feeling.
What advice would you give to any freshers wanting to go for presidency next year in societies?
I would say go for it. If it is truly something that you feel passionate about then there is nothing stopping you! Don’t let fear of being knocked back stand in your way! If you feel passionate about something, that’s the most important thing you need and do not let anyone tell you otherwise as all you need is the vision to come up with fresh ideas and the determination and perseverance to see them through!