The Dartmouth Cords, a 16 member all-male ensemble, will host and compete in one of three rounds of the National Championship of Collegiate A Cappella this Saturday at 8 p.m. in Rollins Chapel. The Dartmouth Dodecaphonics, an 11 voiced co-ed ensemble will also compete in the competition.
The NCCAs are held yearly and this year marks the competition's third year in existence. There are six regional competitions all over the US, each with three quarterfinals. Two groups from each quarterfinal go to the regional semifinals, then one semifinal winner from each region competes in the national finals, which will be held in Carnegie Hall.
Among the groups in the Northeast region hoping to advance after Saturday's competition are the Bowdoin College Meddiebemsters, Rensselear Polytechnic Institute Rusty Pipes, University of Rochester Swingshot, Smith College Smiffenpoofs, State University of New York Binghamtonics and the Dartmouth Cords and Dodecs.
The Cords have been busy getting ready for the event for the last few weeks.
Teddy Huang '98, a member of the Dartmouth Cords, said as hosts they are "responsible for reserving space, housing groups, the event's publicity, selling tickets and also finding housing for the a cappella groups that are coming," said
The only difference between Saturday's concert and any other a cappella performance "is that there is a tough competition," Huang said.
Initially, Huang said it took much persuasion for Adam Farb, the director of the NCCAs, to consider Dartmouth as a feasible site.
"We had to convince Adam Farb that Dartmouth would be a great area" because of its love for a cappella music, Huang said.
After receiving the green light from the organization, the Cords then had to search out a venue for the event. Since Spaulding Auditorium was already booked, the Cords decided to make Rollins the site of the competition because it seemed to be the best choice among the others because of its acoustics and ambiance, Huang said.
"This is the first time our ensemble has competed in and hosted the NCCAs," Huang said. "This year's competition at Dartmouth also marks the first time it has been held here."
The Dodecs are second year veterans of the competition.
"Last year we competed in the same competition at Bates [College] and won Best Arrangement for a U2 Medley and Best Soloist for Simon Tang '97 on 'The Water is Wide,'" Carrie Spring, director of the Dartmouth Dodecs, said.
Huang credits the developing caliber of the Cords' sound as to why the group entered the competition.
"In our two years, we have seen momentous changes and an extreme metamorphosis. We have evolved so much that we believe we are ready for the competition," Huang said.
Huang was leery on giving any details of the Cords' program. "Why take the fun away? We've picked our better songs and people will enjoy our set," he said.
According to Spring, the Dodecs set will include Folk Implosion's "Natural One," Madonna's "Material Girl" and Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Aeroplane."
Spring promises the Dodecs will put on a "really fun show. We've got some new choreography too."
Other a cappella finals are taking place in Northampton, Mass. at the Academy of Music and Five Towns College in Long Island, N.Y. on the same date. The semifinals from the Northeast will be held on March 7 at Smith College in Northampton, Mass.
According to its webpage, the NCCA is an annual event designed to provide a national showcase for college a cappella groups and to encourage positive growth on the ever-expanding college scene.
A cappella groups will have 14 minutes, plus a one-minute grace period to present their program. In considering their rankings, judges will equally weigh four factors: musicality, presentation, originality and soloists.
Like last year, the Finals will take place on May 9 at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The winner of the tournament will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Second place receives a $500 cash prize.
Limited tickets to the event are still available to the general public for $5 at the Collis Student Center.
Huang guarantees "a great show." He said he hopes everyone will come out to show their support of Dartmouth a cappella.
