Like most college kids, I reached university with many aspirations. Most importantly, I arrived with this indescribable urge to be involved. As someone who loved being part of as many high school clubs as possible, I saw college as an incredible opportunity to venture beyond my comfort zone.
Upon arrival at the University of Maryland, I learned of an a cappella team called Anokha, which translates to “Unique” in Sanskrit. Anokha bases itself as a co-ed, South-Asian/American fusion a cappella team at the University of Maryland. It currently has 15 members, eight of whom are newcomers.
The team performs at one main event on campus in the winter: Anokha’s Winter Show. With visiting teams from schools such as Johns Hopkins University and Rutgers University, Anokha guarantees a diverse, talent-filled night! In the spring semester, Anokha plans to take on competitions, as it has done in the past.
In all honesty, I did not audition for Anokha voluntarily. Even after 10 years of singing, I find myself unable to audition without a fear-engulfing, fidgety demeanor. However, with motivation from my family and support from my roommates, I mustered up just enough courage to go through the process twice: once for the first round and again for the second round, known as callbacks.
I can easily say that joining this group has been one of the greatest decisions I have made so far in college. I was both incredibly excited and nervous, because being in this group would mean having two entirely separate parts of my world collide: the Indian classical and Bollywood music background that I grew up learning and the American pop a cappella I loved in high school.
However, what I failed to realize is that each and every one of the members comes from a South Asian background and finds the art of singing both cathartic and intriguing.
Although New Jersey, my home, is only a few hours away by bus or train, the lack of family within a short drive’s reach has proven incredibly difficult, especially as a freshman attempting to adapt to her surroundings. I found a team that is both relatable and reliable; a home away from home. These singers have become my mentors, guiding me in musicality and the college life. Upon asking the president of UMD Anokha, Natasha Shah, what her main goal is for this year, she responded with the following:
“As board members and people who have experienced life as new students, we want to give everyone a fair chance at succeeding. We want to be approachable and guiding in a way that allows anyone to come to us with anything. Our goal is to expand our musical horizons and have a great time while giving back to our community.”
Joining a South-Asian fusion a cappella team has given me connections, opportunities and memories. It is incredible to think that I have only just begun my journey here. I only hope to further my musical and general knowledge and perform well at the winter show!
This is the inside scoop to being on a fusion a cappella team! To see us in action, check out our YouTube channel here!