A Cappella at Barnumbia

While we might not have the Barden Bellas or Treblemakers from iconic movie series Pitch Perfect, a cappella is a strong and thriving community here at Barnard and Columbia. Music major or not, joining an a cappella group can be a great way to connect with fellow music-minded people from a variety of different backgrounds.

Why join a cappella?

As a nervous first-year from Alabama, I was really worried I would struggle with establishing a community so far from home. While I made friends during orientation and in my first few days of class, I knew that joining clubs would be a priority. Nothing could have prepared me for how large of an impact a cappella has left on my life. 

From our weekly rehearsals in Lerner, to themed mid-semester concerts (favorites include Metropolitan and Metrodeo), to senior solos at end-of-semester spring concerts, to doing Just Dance in the Milstein seminar rooms during finals season, the Columbia Metrotones have been a constant source of inspiration, joy, and community throughout my time at Barnard. Many of my closest friends have stemmed from a cappella, including a variety of different academic departments or backgrounds that I might never have otherwise crossed paths with. A cappella has also offered the perfect balance of work and fun. While singing is important, so is hanging out and having a good time together!

How do I get involved in a cappella?

*As a note, this is entirely based on my experience from the last four years, but the audition process is always subject to change :)

Honestly, I think about a cappella auditions in a similar manner to sorority rush. A cappella auditions typically occur during the first week of each semester, and you can (and should) audition for as many groups as you’d like. While pretty much all the groups hold auditions in the fall, spring auditions depend on which groups are looking for more members. However, since groups can only accept a handful of people each, it’s always recommended to audition for any group that interests you.

Unlike Pitch Perfect (where you sing the same song in front of all the groups at once), each group has their own room and audition process. You sign up for a time slot, are walked to their room by a member of the group, and then go through their specific process. Some groups have specific audition requests, but the standard is to prepare a verse and chorus of a song of your choosing, which you will sing a cappella in your audition. In the audition room, groups generally assess your vocal range, pitch recognition, and blending, but it can vary. After initial auditions, groups hold callbacks that same weekend, and decisions are made by Saturday night! 

Group Breakdowns

Every a cappella group is different, with their own vocal mix, vibe, and song preferences. While I’ve included brief group descriptions, I recommend taking a look at their website and/or Instagram account to learn more! As a note, all groups are open to all undergraduate students.

Bachhantae (all-gender, upper voices) performs a wide range of self-arranged pop, folk, and R&B music. It is recognized as the only a cappella group housed at Barnard! 

Website, IG: @bacchanstagram

Chinese A Cappella (all-gender, mixed voices) is the newest group on campus, and they perform arrangements that combine Chinese and international music.

Website, IG: @cucac_columbia

The Clefhangers (all-gender, mixed voices) sing contemporary arrangements of every genre. In true Pitch Perfect fashion, they are the only group that competes!

Website, IG: @columbiaclefhangers

Jubilation! (all-gender, mixed voices) is a Christian group that sings a variety of Christian songs and hymns. 

IG: @jubilationcu

The Kingsmen (all-gender, lower voices) are known for their light blue blazers, witty performances, and various arrangements from barbershop to contemporary music.

Website, IG: @cukingsmen

The Metrotones (women and gender minorities, upper voices) enjoy an ever-changing and eclectic array of genres, including pop, R&B, and indie, and more. Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham (BC ‘88) used to be a tone!

Website, IG: @metrotones

Nonsequitur (all-gender, mixed voices), or “it does not follow” in Latin, experiments with a variety of sounds and genres. Pitch Perfect star Ben Platt even used to be a member!

Website, IG: @nonsequigram

Notes and Keys (all-gender, mixed voices) sing a diverse, well-rounded, and self-arranged repertoire of all genres.

Website, IG: @notesandkeys

Pizmon (all-gender, mixed voices) is the pluralistic Jewish group on campus. Their mission is to share their love of Jewish music with Jewish communities around the globe. 

Website, IG: @pizmonnyc

SHARP (all-gender, lower voices) describes their music best themselves: “sexy, smooth, soulful, SHARP.” 

Website, IG: @columbiasharp

Sur (all-gender, mixed voices) is the South-Asian fusion group that blends Bollywood music with American pop songs through original arrangements. 

Website, IG: @columbiasur

Uptown Vocal (all-gender, mixed voices) specializes in jazz music, building a doo-wap-inspired repertoire of jazz standards, pop, rock, and more. 

Website, IG: @uptownvocal

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I think a cappella is lame? How dare you say that about organized nerd singing?! On a realer note, a cappella isn’t for everybody, and that’s ok. Part of the joy of going to college is finding your community, and a cappella is just one of the many opportunities to do so.

How do I know which a cappella group to pick? To be honest, you don’t always have to! As I mentioned earlier, groups can only accept a small number of people each semester, which is heavily dependent upon current group members. Due to the small acceptance rate, it’s always recommended to audition for any group that interests you. In fact, many members are 1) often only accepted into one or two groups, and/or 2) audition more than once. For members accepted into more than one group, it’s a personal decision based on their preferences and each individual group’s repertoire, vibes, etc. 

Can I join multiple groups? Being in one a cappella group is already a time commitment, but some groups are flexible and allow joint participation if rehearsal schedules can allow. That said, it’s typically handled on a case-by-case basis. 

I can only hope that if you’ve watched the Pitch Perfect series, this blog post made you chuckle. If not, go watch Pitch Perfect right now. I’m serious… As cheesy as it sounds, it might change your life as much as it did mine.