By Demetrio Hernandez, Staff Writer
OCUpella, a student-run a cappella group, is preparing for another year of performances.
The group has about 25 members with a wide variety of majors. Twelve new members were added into the group this year.
The group is led by Sarah Johansen, entertainment business senior, and Connor Branson, acting/voice junior.
The group is not restricted to music majors. It is open for everyone who shares passion and talent for a cappella style.
“We don’t choose our members based on their majors, but in their musical talent and availability,” Johansen said.
OCUpella has auditions at the beginning of each semester, usually two weeks after the semester starts.
The majority of new members are chosen in the fall semester.
They usually practice from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel.
The group usually performs a concert the week before finals.
They also perform at various events throughout the year, including Relay for Life, Homecoming and on President Robert Henry’s birthday.
“President Henry is definitely a fan of our group,” Johansen said. “He is on our side.”
Their main musical focus is pop, from current top hits to oldies.
“We sing anything that you can hear on the radio at any time,” Branson said.
Members enjoy having a new way to discover musical talent and creating strong friendships.
“It creates a whole different branch of students to perform,” Branson said.
The group is always looking for performance opportunities.
“We encourage people to come out to our concerts at the end of each semester and to contact us for any events we can perform,” Johansen said.
OCUpella has some of their concerts on YouTube. They can be reached at ocupella@gmail.com.
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