Name: Charlotte Kornegay
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Rosewood, NC
Major: Communication Studies – concentration in Public Relations
Sophomore Charlote Kornegay, on the microphone, singing with the UNCW Seabelles. She was recently elected president of the organization.
HC: First off, congratulations on winning Seabelles President! What inspired you to run?
CK: Thank you! Ever since I joined the Seabelles I knew that I would eventually want to hold some kind of leadership position. After I began to really get to know the girls and how the group was run, I decided that I wanted to run for president. I held many leadership roles in high school and I figured that it would be just as fun and a great way to get ready for future leadership endeavors.
HC: How long have you been in Seabelles?
CK: I joined the Seabelles my freshman year at UNCW so for almost two years now.
HC: What do your presidential duties entail?
CK: In the fall I will be handed over all of our account information and such and start to organize efficient rehearsals. My main duty is to make sure that we get things done during our rehearsal times and show up at the right time for our events and performances. Our current president, Christine Schultze, has done a wonderful job the past two years with the group and I’m hoping to be able to fill her shoes next school year.
HC: What’s your favorite part of being in Seabelles? Why?
CK: Aside from singing, I absolutely love spending time with our members. It’s wonderful how well we get along and work together as a bunch of crazy girls. We spend a lot of time together outside of rehearsal and performances. This helps us when we sing because we know we have fun together and that it’s something we love doing.
HC: You guys have a knack for making harmonizing effortless, but what does a capella really entail?
CK: One of the most important aspects of A Capella is making sure that the group blends well. You can’t have a voice that is going to stand out from the group, unless they are singing a solo or have a special part within the song. This is also important since we are the instruments and the chorus. A capella is a lot harder than some people make it out to be but with the right people and the perfect blend, it’s easy to make the right song sound perfect and effortless. I also have to give a huge shout out to our beat boxer, Ashley Kessel! She adds the perfect touch to all of our arrangements.
HC: What’s your role in the perfect a capella blend?
CK: I am currently a soprano two but sometimes we get moved around to where we are needed in the group.
HC: How long have you been singing for?
CK: I competed in my first talent show when I was 8 but I guess I have been singing since I could talk and grab onto a microphone.
HC: What’s your favorite song and genre to sing and why?
CK: I really enjoy singing the upbeat pop songs because they are so fun to get into, especially if it’s a crowd favorite. It’s also really fun to sing the pop songs with the group. We all really like to get into the music.
HC: Do you see yourself signing in the future?
CK: I honestly don’t know what my future holds with singing. It has always been a dream of mine to have a career in music and I would love to sing for the rest of my life but I guess we will see when the future comes!
HC: Well, speaking of the near future, I know you have a concert coming up… When is it and what songs are the “ones to watch”?
CK: Our concert will be May 2nd in Lumina Theater at 7pm. We have a bunch of new songs coming your way so get excited! My personal favorite so far is a mash-up of “Stand By Me” and “Rockin’ Robin.” I’m so excited for everyone to hear our new music because those who have arranged them have been working so hard for the songs to sound great.
HC: Can’t wait, I will most certainly be there!