You won’t believe how much time, effort, and passion goes into nailing the perfect notes in an acapella group. They learn how to create instrumental sounds with their voices in such an effective way that you occasionally cannot notice it. Acapella groups love what they do and wouldn’t swap the opportunity for anything, although the work can be challenging and the endless hours of rehearsal appear to go on forever.
Even while college Acapella groups have been on for more than a century, they are still not very common in most universities. College-affiliated Acappella groups are frequently by students rather than being directly connected to the music department of the institution.
Do you have a nice voice? Well, it’s only natural to be considering joining an acapella group in college. You’re in the right place as we’ll be reviewing the best college Acapella groups in USA.
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Steps to Joining a College Acapella Group
Singing in a collegiate Acappella group may feel like a chapter out of a fairytale. While it can be an electrifying experience, it’s quite competitive because collegiate a cappella groups often only look to add three or four new members per year. Below are some steps to joining an Acapella group in college.
Sign up for an audition
You should try to get the base scope on every acapella group on your campus before signing up. It’s normal for some colleges to have multiple acapella groups, this makes your selection process a little more tasking. Before signing up for an audition with a particular acapella group, you should be sure that you like the music group since you’ll be singing and making memories with the group for a while.
Audition
If you’ve never performed in front of an audience before, the mere mention of an audition could make you feel a little queasy. Although Acappella auditions vary from school to school, they all follow the same general format.
Most first-round auditions are fairly typical assessments of fundamental musical ability, skill, and vocal quality. They begin with a few vocal warm-ups, such as ascending and descending scales, riffs, and other exercises that many ensembles employ on their own. The group will frequently start the audition singing along with you, but they will stop so that they can hear your voice and gauge your vocal range. You don’t have to worry about standing out in a crowd of singers because Acappella auditions are individual.
The group will then invite you to sing a brief passage from a song you should have practiced in advance. Before the audition, choose a tune that best represents your range and talent.
Callback
A group may ask you back for a callback if they think you could fit in well or if you stand out from the other candidates during the open audition period. They typically only contact a few people. Acappella callbacks vary from group to group; some urge you to prepare a second solo, while others emphasize how well you blend in.
The interview will decide your future in the group, which is the final callback step. Every acapella group has questions designed to determine each member’s compatibility. Your chances of actually getting in depend on the group response. In this section, it’s better to just be yourself, since if you try too hard to fit in, you probably won’t enjoy it very much.
The wait
The wait, as I like to call it, is the period where you have to wait to know if you receive an offer to join the group. You had to go through two auditions and a personality test, as a result, required by the groups. What follows is what? You must now wait.
You call them to accept your offer once you have one. Nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to receiving that phone call offering you a spot in a college acapella club. It is easily one of the best memories you cherish in college.
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Tips for Getting into your College Acapella Group
Audition can be a difficult process. The pointer below will help you succeed in your college acapella auditions.
- Practice: Regardless of how good you sound on your own, keep in mind that you are applying to join a group, thus you need to harmonize your sound with your potential bandmates. While having a classical background is beneficial, Acappella ensembles may not always be searching for an operatic voice. While you must be able to carry a solo part, the group will look to add someone who can fit in with their particular harmonies and sound.
- Ear training exercise: At your audition, you might have to sing back a series of notes that the group will play for you in order to gauge your capacity to distinguish between various tonalities. You might have to identify the middle note when they play a sequence of chords. Prior to your audition, taking voice lessons might help you perfect your technique, but they might not help you with your ear training or artistry. It usually takes more time and effort to train your ears. Try listening to music from different eras and styles, practicing chords at the piano, and enrolling in music theory classes to hone your Acappella ear training skills.
- Personality: When you attend your audition, keep in mind that Acappella groups are searching for more than just a wonderful voice—they also want someone who will be outgoing and fun. You get the chance to show off your charismatic personality and commanding stage presence.
- Positive attitude: It’s crucial that you maintain positivity, and a balanced viewpoint throughout your efforts to join a collegiate acapella club. Don’t be sad if you do not make the cut for the organization for which you auditioned. Sometimes a rejection has nothing to do with you; the group may have been searching for a different tone, style, or personal fit.
- Take a break before auditions: It is crucial that you get enough sleep in order to properly prepare before impressing the judges and joining a college acapella group. To maintain those amazing vocal cords, try to get a full eight to ten hours of sleep the night before the audition. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Refrain from drinking any alcohol because it can dehydrate you and harm your voice.
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Best College Acapella Groups
According to some estimates, the acapella group now numbers over 1200 in colleges. Below are some of the best college acapella groups in USA.
#1. Northeastern University: The Nor’Easters
The Nor’easters are the best college acapella group at Northeastern University. They have worked tirelessly to uphold the finest musical standards while continuing to spread joy and love. The Nor’easters have blossomed into recording powerhouses in recent years, winning the Contemporary Acappella Recording Awards for Best Mixed Collegiate Album in 2013 (III), 2014 (Equilibrium), and 2018 (COLLECTIVE, Vol. 1). The Nor’easter’s sound currently comprises 16 voices, with a fantastic vocal percussionist rounding off the group. They are one of the best college Acapella groups.
#2. Florida State University: AcaBelles
The AcaBelles are the sole soprano-alto a cappella group at Florida State University. Their strong dancing, amazing vocals, and creative compositions have been reshaping the female acapella. The 15 singers’ diverse backgrounds and particular singing styles combine to produce a distinctive sound and a dominant presence in the Tallahassee acapella scene.
The team recently drew attention from CNN and Good Morning America with their version of a certain regal chart-topper, and in 2016 they won a Contemporary Acappella Award for Best Female Collegiate Arrangement. The ‘Belles have since performed all around the world, taken part in ICCA, and raised money to record several albums, EPs, and singles. They are one of the best college acapella groups.
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#3. Tufts University: Tufts Beelzebubs
The Tufts University male acapella group Beelzebub is famous around the country. The group spreads its message of fun by performing a variety of pop, rock, R&B, and other genres of music. The Barden University Treblemakers in the Pitch Perfect film series had inspiration from the Beelzebubs.
The Bubs bring music to life everywhere from Boston to Buenos Aires. They play at many schools all around the world and have even worked with students there, teaching them different singing techniques. Tufts Beelzebubs are undoubtedly one of the best college acapella groups in USA.
#4. University of California, Los Angeles: Scattertones
While UCLA has about 20 acapella groups, Scattertones is one of the best. UCLA’s ScatterTones is an all-gender, student-run a cappella group. The group frequently delivers performances both on campus and around the Greater Los Angeles Area. They have frequently performed as Pentatonix’s opening act and performed at the White House.
The ScatterTones has competed many times in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA), most recently taking third place in 2019, as well as in UCLA’s prestigious talent competition Spring Sing and the Los Angeles Acappella Festival Scholastic Competition. They perform a variety of music from pop, jazz, R&B, and rock styles using their own melodies and rhythms, and beatboxes.
#5. University of Virginia: Hullabahoos
In 1987, the University of Virginia became the birthplace of the Hullabahoos. Since then, it has developed into one of the best college Acappella groups in USA. The group has also had the good fortune to play across the globe and receive both popular and critical appreciation for their songs. The Washington Nationals performed for President George W. Bush in the Philippines in 2007, the Washington Nationals at the Nike HQ in Portland, Oregon, and President Obama at the Democratic Caucus at the White House in 2013.
The Hullabahoos also had the chance to create 19 studio albums, which assisted the group in receiving widespread acclaim and gaining national prominence.
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#6. Berklee College of Music: Pitch Slapped
Pitch Slapped is a coed a cappella group from Boston, Massachusetts. The team represents the famous Berklee College of Music and is one of the best college acapella groups in USA. The group’s catalog includes songs in a variety of genres, including Pop, R&B, and Rock.
Pitch Slapped has experienced a quick ascent to recognition since its founding in 2006. The group won two International Championships of Collegiate acapella competitions in 2011 and 2014. The team had an appearance on The Sing-Off on NBC in 2010 and America’s Got Talent in 2015.
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#7. University of Maryland: Faux Paz
Faux Paz’s was the first all-gender a cappella group at the University of Maryland. Three University of Maryland students set it up in the fall of 1992. It has since become increasingly famous both within Maryland and outside of its borders. It is one of the best college acapella groups in USA.
The group has performed across the nation at colleges, high schools, private functions, and a variety of competitions. The International Championship of Collegiate acapella (ICCA), where Faux Paz regularly competes and won in 2024. They won AVAs (A Cappella Video Awards) for Best Electronic/Experimental Video and Best Mixed Collegiate Video for “Technicolor Beat,” besides coming second and third overall in each ICCA Semifinal.
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#8. Brigham Young University: Vocal Point
Brigham Young University’s male a cappella group BYU Vocal Point has nine members (BYU). Vocal Point has long established itself as one of the best college acapella groups in USA. The group won the 2006 International Championship of Collegiate acapella and three Pearl Awards (ICCA). They also finished sixth on The Sing-Off’s third season on NBC in 2011.
#9. Yale University: Whiffenpoofs
The Yale Whiffenpoofs is the oldest organization of its kind in the country. The team usually alternates the lineup every year. The group compromises rising seniors who frequently take a year out from school to tour both home and abroad. They have maintained consistency over the years, which has led to many accomplishments and honors. They are one of the best college acapella groups in USA.
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#10. New York University: N’Harmonics
The N’Harmz are the top coed a cappella group at NYU and the Varsity Vocals ICCA Champions for 2019. By fusing pop, rock, R&B, and jazz music, the N’Harmonics, a distinctive and adaptable vocal group, stretch the limits of college a cappella. With songs by The Allman Brothers, Kimbra, Michael Blume, Jazmine Sullivan, and many other well-known music artists in their repertoire, they are one of the best college acapella groups in USA.
#11. The University of Texas, at Arlington: Rise
Rise, a co-ed acapella group, is a force in the acapella world. Rise competed in the 2018 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella with an emphasis on putting their sound and choreography together as well as modernizing their set. Rise finished first in the Semifinals, second in the Finals of the ICCA, and second in the Quarterfinals. Further cementing their spot as one of the best college acapella groups in USA.
#12. University of Pennsylvania: Penn Masala
The World’s First South Asian acapella Group, Penn Masala, was founded to make music that crossed traditional cultural barriers and portrayed the experience of growing up in both Eastern and Western cultures. Since being the pioneers of South Asian-Western fusion, they were the first group to bring the sounds of the Indian subcontinent to a cappella.
Penn Masala’s original compositions feature innovative tones, sumptuous textures, and intricate arrangements. Its highlight distinctive sound makes it one of the best college acapella groups in USA.
#13. The University of Chicago: Voices in your head
The University of Chicago a cappella group Voices in Your Head aims to push the boundaries of modern a cappella. Since its founding in 1998, the organization has ranked as one of the best college acapella groups in USA. Original songs and an eclectic blend of pop, R&B, rock, and alternative music make up its distinctive repertoire. They often take part in the International Championship of Collegiate acapella (ICCA) competitions, and they also publish studio recordings of their tunes.
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#14. University of Miami: BisCaydence
The University of Miami’s BisCaydence is a coed a cappella group. The ensemble, which was founded in 2011, includes some of UM’s best vocalists and uses music created using solely a collection of human voices to embody the sense of harmonic coherence and school pride. It is one of the best college acapella groups in USA.
#15. University of Southern California: SoCal Vocals
SoCal VoCals is one of the best college acapella groups in USA. It is a prominent acapella group set up in 1996 to represent the University of Southern California. The VoCals, who have amassed 5 ICCA titles and eight studio albums to date, deliver vibrant southern California pop to the acapella community. On the West Coast, SoCal VoCals is now the only group to have won the ICCA five times.
Also read: University Of Southern California: Admission, Courses, Ranking, Tuition Fees
Frequently asked questions
What college has the most Acapella groups?
Brown University has the highest number of Acapella groups in the USA.
What is the most successful acapella group?
With international acclaim, Pentatonix is the best acapella group.
Are college acapella groups in control f by school administration?
Students mostly handle and organize most college acapella groups.
What is the best college acapella group?
The Northern eastern university Nor’Easters and tufts university Beelzebubs are some of the best college acapella groups
Can college have over one acapella group?
Yes, most colleges have several Acapella groups.
Conclusions
National tournaments between the greatest ensembles and singing groups can be just as tense as a Division I college football game. Even while the work can be challenging and the endless hours of practice seem never-ending, the top collegiate acapella groups are magical on stage!
References
- Image link
- collegexpress.com – 6 Steps to Joining a College acappella Group (or, How to Be a Barden Bella IRL)
- collegemagazine.com – 10 College A Cappella Groups Totally Slaying It
- acappellablog.com – 5 Tips on How to succeed at a College A Cappella Audition
- ranker.com – The Best College Acapella Groups
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