Here at the College, tucked into the rhythms of campus life, the Colbyettes continue a decades-long tradition of harmony and close-knit community. As the College’s only remaining historically women’s a cappella group, the Colbyettes are more than just a musical ensemble; they are a piece of campus history.
Founded in 1951, the group has sustained a legacy that blends musical precision with a deep sense of belonging. Their motto, “EFL,” which is short for “Ette for Life,” captures that spirit. Membership in the Colbyettes doesn’t end at graduation — it instead signals a lasting connection among generations of singers. While collegiate a cappella has grown in popularity nationwide, fueled in part by mainstream attention including movies like Pitch Perfect, groups like the Colbyettes emphasize that the artform is as much about collaboration as it is about performance.
A cappella strips music down to the fundamentals of voice and arrangement without the use of any instruments. This requires singers to be both musicians and instrumentalists, tasked with mimicking drums, bass lines, and harmonies with only their voices.
Leading the group this year is Daisy Harris `26, who serves as a president and has been involved ever since her first-year fall. Her experience reflects the continuity and mentorship embedded within the group. “I’ve been a member of the Ettes since my freshman fall,” Harris said, also noting that new members are quickly included in the group’s culture and traditions.
That culture is perhaps most visible during rehearsals, which balance discipline with fun. While the group is certainly committed to refining their sound, they also leave plenty of space for group connection. Harris jokes that rehearsals are “strongly 50 percent practicing and 50 percent hanging out (kidding, mostly).” A typical session begins with vocal warmups before moving into solo auditions for new songs — an activity where every member participates. “Everyone auditions for every solo — it’s a bonding activity,” Harris explained. Afterward, singers break into voice parts before coming back together to rehearse as a full ensemble.
Rehearsals aren’t confined to a single space, either. When practicing in Bixler Art and Music Center, the group often migrates into the hallways to take advantage of the building’s acoustics. Conversations flow easily between songs, with members always strengthening the friendships that underpin their performances.
As the year is winding down, the Colbyettes have had a busy spring. They just hosted the Colbyettes’ 75th anniversary reunion the weekend of April 11. In addition to this, the group performed at Admitted Students Day on April 20, and at the Colby College Museum of Art on April 23, offering both prospective students and the broader community a glimpse into their work. Now, they are preparing for one final concert, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. This will be a show showcasing both the group’s collective talent and individual voices. Four seniors — Harris herself, Hunter McKendry `26, Jo Scher `26, and Maura McGraw `26 — will each perform a solo as part of their last sendoff.
The Colbyettes’ repertoire reflects both contemporary taste and classic influences. Harris points to past favorites that they have performed like “Ketchum, ID” by boygenius and “Trebles Finals” from Pitch Perfect. At their final concert this spring, the audience can expect a diverse lineup, including “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson; “Knocks Me Off My Feet” by Stevie Wonder; “Celebrate Me Home” by Lizzy McAlphine; “500 Miles” by Peter, Paul and Mary; and “Dreams” by The Cranberries.
Lastly, as a result of the very welcoming environment that they strive so hard to cultivate, the Colbyettes encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a part of their group to consider auditioning.
Ana von Rumohr `27 has always loved singing and has been doing it since she was young. “I sang in my church choir growing up for years,” von Rumohr said. “But I’ve been looking for ways to get back involved with music since arriving at college.” Von Rumohr is currently taking guitar lessons here at the College, but, since learning about the Colbyettes, she is interested in potentially trying out for them the next time she is able.
“The Colbyettes sound like a great opportunity to get back into singing in a fun, stress-free way here at Colby,” von Rumohr said. “I’m looking forward to seeing their upcoming concert and deciding if it’s something I’d maybe want to get involved in next year.”
For anyone else like von Rumohr who is interested in potentially joining the Colbyettes, you can follow their Instagram and contact Harris to learn about eventual audition opportunities. But until then, enjoy their upcoming concerts, where the College community will be serenaded by their beautiful, instrumentless numbers.
~ Amelia Hanscom `27
Be First to Comment