On February 12th sophomores Hanna Martin and Lisa Staples held auditions for a new a capella
group on campus. Martin and Staples are in the process of assembling the new musical group
and are hoping to perform on campus as early as right after spring break.
Martin, a Music, English, and Philosophy major, first became a member of an a capella group in
high school. Staples has also been involved with an a capella group since high school.
The two decided to start this group because they noticed the absence of a similar group on
campus. Martin said that it seemed unusual for a college to not have such a common music
form. Staples said that she has wanted to started an a capella group since she first started here.
Martin said that they especially felt motivated to start a group like this with the current success
of “Glee.”
Martin said they have already had 8 people audition and they are looking to have between 10
to 12 members in the choir. She also said that they would take auditions and add to the group
throughout the year. She said they are looking for men as well as women to participate in the
choir.
Martin also explained what they are looking for in potential choir members and said the most
important attribute a singer can have is confidence. Staples added that volume is an important
characteristic of an a capella singer.
The group is planning to sing a variety of music including pop music, but Staples and Martin are
also open to suggestions from the group.
Martin and Staples said that the group will not necessarily have a choir director, but rather work
as a collaborative team each depending on each other to learn their parts. However, Staples said
they will be in charge of writing the music for the vocal parts.
If you are interested in participating in the group contact one of the co-founders, Hanna Martin at
hem002@mcdaniel.edu or Lisa Staples at las001@mcdaniel.edu.
