Past and present members of Voicemale united on May 1 for "TestFest," the group's annual end-of-the year show. Brandeis's top, all-male a cappella ensemble had much to celebrate, in particular the success of their latest CD, Propeller. Their CD won Best Male Album of the year and numerous other awards from Varsity Vocals' BOCA (Best of Collegiate A Cappella) organization this past year. The concert also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Voicemale ensemble. Sixteen alumni flew in from all over the country for the event, ranging from Voicemale's founders to singers who just graduated from the group last year. "TestFest" was a tribute to Voicemale's 10-year history and showed that the group is still one of the most exciting, entertaining a cappella ensembles on campus. Their endearing energy and amazing arrangements show why Voicemale is the real deal, as further emphasized by the many awards the group won this past year.
Beginning their concert late, the current members of Voicemale rushed to the front of Olin-Sang auditorium in the group's trademark manner, much to pleasure of their eager fans. Their first song, Smokey Robinson's "Tears of a Clown," set an energetic, playful tone for the concert. However, Voicemale fans would to wait till after intermission to hear again from their seven singing heartthrobs as the alumni next performed. The 16 Voicemale graduates first performed the Beach Boys' "Salute John B." The song's soloist and one of the original members of the group, Jonathan Berkowitz '97, impressed the crowd as he showed his voice was still top notch. Clearly thrilled to be back at Brandeis and performing together, the alumni exhibited the energy, lively dance movements, and vocal talent for which Voicemale is known. Continuing with Blues Travelers' "Hook," the alumni wowed the crowd especially during the song's fast, rap-like interlude. Seth Herring '03, with his stunning solo on Boyz II Men's "If I Ever Fall in Love Again," reminded all the girls in the audience why there is nothing sexier than a guy who can sing. The Voicemale alumni really got into the music on their last song, "You Can't Have Her," as they clapped and jumped up and down. Seeing the legacy of Voicemale live on stage was a true treat for a cappella fans.

The rest of the "TestFest" spotlight belonged to the current Voicemale members, and especially to the group's two graduating seniors. Jon Searles '04 and ensemble president Evan Greene '04 were featured by each having a "senior song" during the show. Searles, one the group's main vocal percussionists, showed off his beautiful baritone voice on The Temptations' "In the Still of the Night." Funny-man Greene put his hilarious personality to good use on Weird Al Yonkovic's "Since You've Been Gone," a song he joked was dedicated to all of Voicemale's ex-girlfriends. All the boys turned out to be brilliant comedians as well as musicians as they performed skits throughout the evening dedicated to Searles and Greene. Poking fun at the fact that the Voicemale seniors had lived together for the past three years, the ensemble's underclassmen performed a hilarious mock wedding ceremony between the two and later acted out a marriage counseling session that had the audience in fits of laughter.

Yet the group didn't need to rely on their comedic skills to entertain the crowd, as listening to Voicemale was a wonderful treat all in itself. The majority of the solos belonged to the group's sole freshman, Jon Weinstein '07. Despite the fact that he was ill, Weinstein's voice was still highly impressive on his heartfelt rendition of Edwin McCain's "I Could Not Ask For More" and his charming version of The Drifter's "Under the Boardwalk." One can only imagine how good this young singer is when he is healthy.

Eli Schneider '06 also shone in his solo on Phil Collins's "I Can't Stop Loving You." His rich, earnest voice and the piece's excellent arrangement combined to make the song one of the highlights of the concert. However, it was Voicemale's own MVP, the incomparable Drew Cohen '05, whose soulful rendition of John Hiatt's "Have a Little Faith" stole the show. Without a doubt the best song performed by the group that night, Cohen's powerful, emotive voice embodied that unique ability to completely captivate an audience.

As "TestFest" came to a close, Voicemale members and alumni joined together to perform the group's trademark tune, "Falling Over You" by Rockapella. Watching 10 years of Voicemale members up on stage performing together was the perfect way to end the group's anniversary concert celebration. Dancing around with their arms around each other, completely rocking out with their singing, Voicemale had the whole crowd clapping and singing along gleefully. Voicemale has such superb performance and singing skills that their audience cannot help but have a great time at their shows