By Laiken Harrigan
Elm Staff Writer
As the semester winds down for winter break, WACapella is gearing up for their final concert of the semester on Saturday Dec. 9 from 7-9 p.m. in Hotchkiss.
The student singers will perform a variety of music from different genres. The set list includes a few songs from the past mixed with today’s music. Senior Connor Lugo-Harris is particularly excited about their take on “Honey Bee” by Blake Shelton. A few years ago, the group sang this song as a men’s version, but this year the entire group will be working on the song.
“I’m really excited to be doing a solo for this song, it’s one of my favorites. I think the audience will really love it, as it will bring back some memories for everyone,” Lugo-Harris said.
President Claudia Adjou-Moumouni, senior, said there is something for everyone at the concert, as the music ranges from indie to pop to a cover of Elton John.
“We have a lot of talented students this year who are really passionate about what they do and have the confidence to push new boundaries all the time. I’m really excited about two of our freshman that are arranging music. Two of those arrangements will be sung at the concert,” she said.
According to Adjou-Moumouni, the group is working to be more collaborative this year by getting input from both the school and community. Unlike in past years, WACapella held blind auditions in the fall.
For the spring semester, they’ll be continuing this practice. All students interested in singing are encouraged to try out.
This fall, WACapella held their first blind auditions, where the evaluators had their backs turned to the student during the audition, focusing solely on the voice and removing any potential biases.
Lugo-Harris said he hopes a lot of people will try out for WACapella, as it has been a huge part of his experience at Washington College. As a freshman, this group was the first tight-knit group of friends, and he found that singing collaboratively pushed them to create a unique bond, he said.
He said, “For anyone trying out, just have fun with it. Auditions can be frustrating, I’ve been there. But we’re a family and it should be about having fun and getting the most out of the experience. If you don’t make it, it doesn’t mean you’re not talented and at the end of the day you might just make a new friend and get to share your story.”
Students thinking about trying out for WACapella next semester can contact Adjou-Moumouni at cadjoumoumouni2@washcoll.edu.