‘Jhen da jhen da da’

The title may seem like nonsense but it is actually an essential phrase in the phenomenon that is collegiate a’cappella. At my high school we had a small singing group but it was nothing compared to the amount of singing you see when you are in college. I didn’t realize how much joining an a’cappella group here at W&M would change my life but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did it give me a chance to sing, something I would do every day in high school, but also it gave me an immediate social network of students who were interested in the same things as me. A’cappella turned into so much more than practices; we have date parties, fall tour, beach week, ‘crafternoons’ and countless other fun events. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but it’s been a rollercoaster ride ever since.

William & Mary has 11 a’cappella groups (I still maintain that we must have the lowest student to a’cappella group ratio in the nation but my research is lacking) ranging from co-ed to Christian. Every Wednesday Wren at 10 takes place on the Wren Portico – a different group performs every week for about thirty minutes starting at 10pm. It’s a great study break and a chance to hang out with some friends enjoy some fun music, since groups sing everything from Pink Floyd to Paramore. Service groups normally set up tables selling hot chocolate if it’s chilly out and it becomes a great atmosphere. If you can’t make a Wren 10, groups can be found performing on Parents Day Weekend, charity events, Greek houses or just on the Ewell portico during practice – because it has some awesome acoustics.

Hopefully you will come hear one of our awesome groups sing at W&M. We have an event called Fall Showcase on the first day of classes when all eleven groups perform. If you love to sing please consider trying out: more information can be found here (http://web.wm.edu/so/acappellacouncil/) I couldn’t be happier to be involved with a’ cappella and it has significantly changed my college experience for the better.

– Mary Bonney ’10