If you were in the Kansas State Student Union Sunday night, you may have heard a resonating chorus come from Forum Hall. Most likely it was In-A-Chord, an a cappella group, preparing for their Sunday evening show.
Out of the three a cappella groups on the Kansas State campus, In-A-Chord is the only group associated with the choral department.
The group consists of seven to 12 members who sing a cappella renditions from a multitude of genres. Even though they have a faculty advisor, the group is primarily ran by students.
Student leaders organize and draft rehearsal schedules, contact potential patrons and have most recently produced an album.
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“In-A-Chord
One of the advantages of the small group is its ability to travel easily, said Abbie Lane, chorus member and junior in communication sciences and disorders.
Lane said that ability helps to make the K-State choral department more visible, something that may not be as logistically feasible for the larger groups.
Cooper McGuire, senior in vocal performance, said he hopes that will also help to generate an increased interest in music.
In-A-Chord has performed at K-State multiple times, even collaborating with K-State Singers. The group also books private patrons for a variety of events.
Because it is student-run, members are required to handle the business side as well.
Lane mentioned the importance of that organizational independence as it relates to developing individual skills.
“I get to see the business side of things … that’s something really valuable that’s not music related,” Lane said. “We can kind of establish ourselves as responsible students.”
Every semester, In-A-Chord, which is capped at 12 members, holds open auditions to recruit new members.
Some things that the group looks for in prospective members is the ability to learn new styles and methods very quickly; however, one thing prospective members do not need is the ability to dance.
Differentiating from some other a cappella groups, In-A-Chord does not use choreographed dance as a part of their show.
“We hold the artistry and musicianship to really high standard because of that,” McGuire said.
In-A-Chord will perform Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Forum Hall. Admission is $5 in advance and $8 at the door. The group’s newly produced CD will be available for purchase at the show. A cappella renditions from artists like Lady Gaga, Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac will be performed along with many more songs.
