A New Book Explores College a Cappella Singing Groups
"Pitch Perfect" follows groups from Virginia, Oregon, and Tufts
Reader Comments
Beelzebubs of Tufts University
To see and hear what good collegiate a cappella groups can create live on stage is to understand the term "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Go see the Bubs in concert and you'll get it in an instant. These musicians are supremely talented, and when they blend their musicality with the incredible dedication required to develop a full repertoire and run their group as a dynamic and successful small business, it's easy to see that whether or not they continue their musical pursuits after college, these folks have been groomed to hit the ground of the professional world running.
And to see what ELSE this "greater sum" can do, check out the Bubs Foundation, <http://www.bubsfoundation.org/> the philanthropic arm of the Beelzebubs Alumni association, whose mission is "to awaken in young people a passion for expression and learning through music." Since 1991 the Bubs foundation has donated over $50,000 in grants to 60 music programs in and around Boston and launched a cappella groups in several Boston public middle and high schools.
Pretty cool, for a bunch of guys in khakis and ties who take themselves seriously while doing covers of Gnarls Barkley, Ozzy Osbourne, and Sinéad O'Connor.
Beelzebubs of Tufts University
A cappella singing is fun and -- when a group is good -- it can be a fabulous listening experience too! Be sure to check out the videos of Divisi and the Beelzebubs linked to this article. And you can see more at http://www.youtube.com/mcmiller9.
Beelzebubs of Tufts University
As an alumnus of the Tufts Beelzebub, I am pleased that U. S. News has recognized the dedicated musicians of this and other collegiate a cappella groups. Having joined the "Bubs" in its second year, I am amazed to have witnessed its transformation from the days of barbershop and glee club to its current style, as demonstrated by PANDAEMONIUM, the twenty-ninth album recorded in the 45-year history of the Beelzebubs. Both this CD and its 2005 predecessor, SHEDDING, swept all four categories in the national CARA awards: for best CD, best solo, best song, and best arrangement. Audio samples from these and other Beelzebub albums can be heard at: http://www.bubs.com/albums.asp
