This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Fordham chapter.
While some people think that post-Thanksgiving time is reserved for the Christmas season, some students know that this time of year is actually reserved for acappella season. Aca-scuse me? That’s right, end of semester concerts fill the Fordham calendar as acappella groups galore prepare to present the repertoire they have been working diligently on all semester long.
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Putting together a spectacular concert performance for people to see and hear requires an incredible amount of work, it is certainly not produced overnight. For many groups, several weekly rehearsals are required to form a full program and to display the talents of the groups. Rehearsals get more frequent and intense, however, as the concerts get closer. Anthony Tantillo from the Ramblers describes the rehearsal process this close to concert deadline, as a “kick into overdrive.” That kick into overdrive will inspire musical brilliance.
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Each end of semester show (which all happen to be free!) not only comes with catchy and impressive song arrangements but also themes that never fail to draw in an audience. Themes this year include:
“Ultimate Divas” – The b-Sides, founded in 2002, are known for their diverse song selections and their lively stage presence. Regina Kendrick refers to her group as “a pretty sassy bunch” and says they are excited to “pay homage to musical greats such as Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, and of course, Kanye. We’ll be singing, poorly dancing, and are very excited to have Fordham’s Irish Dance group Sláinte perform with us.” Make sure not to miss them!
The b-Sides will perform on December 8th at Collins Hall, at 7:30 pm!
“Hot Notes in Your Area” – The Hot Notes, Fordham’s jazz-centric acappella group, are straying from the TV/film parodic themes they have used for their past few concerts. (
Check out some of their previous
promo videos.) This semester, the Hot Notes are encouraging you to swipe right into Collins Auditorium and witness the Hot Notes in your area with a hilarious spin on online dating. The group has been working hard to arrange their music and Vanessa Agovida says Brendan Caulfield, who “is a kind of wizard at his job,” is to thank. “But lots of group members contribute arrangements every semester, so our final set list is always a collaboration between the group!”
The Hot Notes will perform on December 6th at Collins Auditorium at 8:00 pm!
“Wet Hot American Ramblers” – The Ramblers have been working towards a Wet Hot American Summer themed concert, which can leave you with nothing but excitement for their show. (Because honestly, who doesn’t want to see and hear what that show has in store? Wet Hot American Rambler? Bring it on.) Anthony Tantillo says he hopes people will love the show as much as the group will love performing in it because “its remarkable to watch how the guys can magically turn hard work and focus into something really beautiful.”
The Ramblers will perform on December 4th at Fordham Prep at 7:30 pm!
“Dolls: The One Where They Sing Acappella” – The Satin Dolls would like you to know that they’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour. With a spinoff of the popular sitcom Friends, their theme truly exemplifies what they value as a group. Alissa Pellegrino, the Satin Dolls’ assistant music director says, “W
e are more than the only all-girl a cappella group on campus, and despite our theme “FRIENDS,” we are more than just a group of friends. When we sing together (not to sound cheesy), we connect on a level deeper than friendship. It is great to have such a close-knit group of girls that you share a bond different than typical friendship. We’ve seen each other at our bests and worsts, but wouldn’t want it any other way.” The Satin Dolls will perform on December 5th at Fordham Prep at 8:00 pm!
Make room in your calendar for these fantastic performances, it will be worth your while! You won’t want to miss all of this aca-awesomeness.
