Three schools. Eight groups. Many musical numbers. On Oct. 23, students across Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin (CBB) performed in an a cappella concert in Colby’s Lorimer Chapel. The event took place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
During the event, each a cappella group from CBB performed two to three songs, featuring music from a wide variety of genres. Many groups chose well-known contemporary songs, while others composed original pieces. In the intermission between songs, leaders introduced their group and shared the title of their songs. The groups coordinated themed outfits, some featuring costumes, to match their chosen music.
A cappella is a long-standing tradition on campus. The Colby Blue Lights, an all-male a cappella group, is the oldest, established in 1947. Since then, the a cappella scene has expanded into eight active groups: The Colby Eight, The Colbyettes, Mayflower Chill, The Blue Lights, and The Colby Megs. Each is categorized by gender: all-men, all-women, and all-gender. Within these categories, individual groups are specified to cater to the unique identities and interests of the campus community.
Mayflower Chill is Colby’s newest a cappella group, established in 2012 as an “offshoot from The Colby Megs,” Audri Ajinth `27, music director of the group, said. “We’re an all-gender group, and we generally always arrange our music ourselves, and then we practice together, learn it, and for the most part, it’s really just us doing what we want, and we really appreciate that.”
There are several leadership positions within each group. Co-presidents organize logistical aspects and concert scheduling; music directors conduct the group during performances and work individually with each member’s skills.
“I think the many a cappella groups create a lot of diversity. Each group may not have different styles of singing,” Ajinth said. “At the very least, each has different song interests, which helps give something for everyone.”
At the beginning of each semester, all a cappella groups perform several songs during a sampler performance. This is where prospective students learn about the different groups and have the opportunity to reach out to leadership. From there, those interested in participating can undergo the audition process.
A cappella performances take place throughout the year at Colby; however, the CBB performances are infrequent. Many groups host a concert during the last week of classes, showcasing their long-term progress.
“This is my first time doing a cappella and I had a lot of fun performing with Mayflower Chill during the CBB performance,” Kendall Cyr `30 said. “I’m really excited to be a part of more performances this year.”
~ Elsie Scott `30
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