Vocal jazz ensemble performs modern a cappella music:

By Elise McArdle

“Pitch Perfect” may have made it cool on the big screen, but a cappella performances are nothing new to the collegiate music scene in the U.S. and Canada.

Once seen only as a traditional form of gospel choir music, the art of a cappella has made a grand entrance in popular performance music at a college campus level, with groups such as “Straight No Chaser” catapulting to stardom, from a college group beginning in 1996 to appearing on the Today Show in 2008.

Recognizing this surge of interest for a cappella performances, UW-Whitewater’s SEAL organization brought the a cappella group “Kazual” to the Down Under on Oct. 17.

Yet, some may not know UW-Whitewater already has its own a cappella jazz ensemble.

With a modern, fun repertoire, the ensemble’s style ranges from jazz to pop to Broadway-esque performances.

For those interested in seeing UW-Whitewater’s take on an a cappella performance, the group will perform alongside the Chamber Singers, a classical choral group at UW-Whitewater, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, in the Light Recital Hall.

The group consists of 17 singers, which, for a jazz ensemble, is a relatively small group.

“It’s definitely a different style than what I’ve been accustomed to in the past,” said Dr. Sharri VanAlstine, jazz ensemble director.  “It’s fun to work with small groups like this, too because they really have to work together and depend upon each other.”

VanAlstine has been directing the group for the past two years.

Vocalist and ensemble member Makenna Parish Day said she thinks singing with a smaller group contributes to the fun.

“You get to know everybody, and you get closer, too,” Parish Day said. “It’s kind of a family.”

The contemporary and upbeat vibe the group exhibits is made possible by the talent of the jazz ensemble’s members. And not just anyone can become a member.

The performers went through an audition process comprised of sight-reading, aural skills and a solo.

“They’re very proficient, and they enjoy what they’re doing,” VanAlstine said. “So it’s a great experience all around.”

While the majority of the group’s performances are completely rehearsed, a goal for the ensemble is to improve its ability to improvise, VanAlstine said.

“That’s not something that vocalists do very often,” VanAlstine said.  “That’s something that we’ve been working hard on.”

Parish Day said performing in front of large audiences may seem intimidating, but as a group, stage fright is not an issue.

“You get to hang with all your friends on stage,” Parish Day said. “You’re able to interact with them. It’s amazing.”

In March the group plans to tour throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa.

Some of the songs the ensemble will perform on Nov. 3 include “Fields of Gold” by Sting and “My Wish,” originally performed by Stevie Wonder.