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Though Connecticut College is a famously fraternity-free college, the campus’s acapella groups have filled the gap of Greek life according to many students both in and outside of the acapella scene. Grounded in tradition and history, most acapella groups on campus are notorious for their busy audition seasons and highly competitive nature, reminiscent of the “rushing” period that many college sororities and fraternities undergo. While there are seven groups on campus in total—each catering to different vocal types and ranges—slots can be selective, a consequence of the high number of first-years looking to audition.
The audition process can be frightening for new students looking to join Conn’s acapella scene, particularly those coming from schools that do not prioritize music programs or learning to sight read. Auditioning in general can be a new and anxiety-inducing experience for anyone, especially first-years battling busy schedules and changes of pace. Luckily, some of Conn’s resident acapella artists have come forth with their best advice to assuage the stress that accompanies the audition process.
Vox Cameli’s Abby Coviello ‘26 and Lilly McGee ‘27 sympathize with first-years and newcomers to the acapella scene, describing the fast, rush-like pace of audition week as they remember. McGee, however, emphasizes that “everyone’s been in your position,” and that it’s a fun and rewarding experience just to “put yourself out there.” The audition process is one that allows you to get involved even if you don’t get in after your first audition, and the auditions themselves ultimately serve as an interactive way for each group to get to know not only your sound, but your personality as well.
Everyone in acapella has been in your position—from the stress, to the back-to-back auditions, to the chugging-hot-tea-and-honey-to-keep-your-voice-strong. Sabrina Malec ‘26 of Williams Street Mix, for example, recalls their audition experience as a “long and nerve-racking” time. There can be a significant amount of stress that arises while waiting between auditions and callbacks, and even more stress comes from refreshing that email page, hoping for an update from one of the groups.
Malec encourages first-year students to audition for as many groups as possible, because it can be difficult to truly know the groups until you have that one-on-one experience with them during auditions. They stress that “the groups want new members as much as new members want to be in acapella groups,” and that the goal of auditions is most importantly to have fun, meet new people, and make music.
While the Greek life/acapella comparison is not completely serious, it is essential to remember that the seemingly exclusive nature of acapella is just that: deceiving. Strong friendships and life-long bonds have been born from Conn’s acapella scene, and the current members of the campus’ acapella groups encourage everyone interested to audition over the next week. The audition process is an immersive experience, so it’s important to be yourself and remember that at the end of the day, groups want to expand their horizons and meet a variety of people during auditions.
