Brandeis has over nine a cappella groups, a testament to the love of singing and the genuine interest in music on this campus. A form of singing that features vocals without the accompaniment of instruments, a cappella styles range from rock to rap, pop to punk and even encompass musical theater. Students flock to their concerts and coffeehouses to take in this popular form of musical entertainment on campus. You might call me somewhat of an a cappella addict. I have heard all the groups below sing this semester, some at least once. The following is a look into what these groups have been up to and how each contributes to the stylistic diversity of a cappella at Brandeis.Company B - Best Overall A Cappella Group

Company B, founded back in 1984, was Brandeis's first a cappella group. Today the group performs oldies favorites mainly from the 60s and 70s. Fittingly, the group's name references the 1941 Andrews Sisters hit, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (of Company B)." After opening their season with a Family Weekend concert on Oct. 24, the 10 singers brought the house down at the Brandeis Democrats' coffeehouse on Oct. 27 where Binny Kagedan '08 gave a seasoned, sensational rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Signed Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours." David Kaufer's '06 performance of "Dancin' in the Moonlight" by King Harvest also exemplified the group's overall energetic stage presence and shared love of oldies music. With cute choreography, clever song arrangements and clear vocal talent, Company B has the ability to get a whole room dancing during each one of their performances. The group will next perform on Nov. 10 at the BUCO and HTG Coffeehouse at Chum's.


Manginah-Most Creative

Manginah, which means "melody" in Hebrew, is a perfect name for Brandeis's premiere Jewish a cappella group. Founded 11 years ago, Business Manager Hillel Skolnik '06 says Manginah continues to appeal the most to Brandeis's Jewish population. Perhaps best known for their creative arrangements, Manginah's pop song parodies written each year to celebrate the holiday of Purim are immensely popular with audiences. In their version of "Geula," they cleverly add a bridge where they insert the English translation of this Hebrew song.

Manginah also takes the prize for most improved a cappella group on campus. With six new members this semester, Manginah has enhanced its level of vocal talent and group harmony, as evidenced by their delightful rendition of "Soulmate" by Neshma Carlebach. The group's great stage chemistry fosters a warm atmosphere whenever Manginah performs.



Rather Be Giraffes-Best Newcomers

The new kids on the a cappella block just celebrated their group's second birthday. With half of their singers being first-years, Rather Be Giraffes is certainly still in its infantile stages. However, the group seems to be comprised of a bunch of fun-loving music lovers whose appreciation for a cappella will make them a fixture ensemble on campus. After opening their year with a Family Weekend show, Rather Be Giraffes's next performance is tonight at Chum's for the Ballroom Dance Coffeehouse. I haven't made it out to a Rather Be Giraffes performance yet, but I look forward to hearing them soon.


Shirley Tempos-Sweetest Sound

The name Shirley Tempos perfectly fits this all-girls group; they are just as adorable to listen to as the childhood star they're named after.

"Our group was founded in 1986, with the name In Sync," says Secretary Sarah Black '05. "Due to somewhat negative connotations of the name, we decided to change our name to the Shirley Tempos in the Fall of 2003."

The Shirley Tempos are perhaps the most overlooked a cappella group on campus and deserve more acclaim and attention. The singers have created a strong group blend with a sound as sweet as sugar. At the Democrats' Coffeehouse, soloist Lindsay Pfeffer '06 even made Madonna's "Like a Prayer" feel enjoyably innocent. The ladies will headline the Vagina Club coffeehouse later this semester.


Starving Artists-Best Overall Spirit

Founded in 1995, Starving Artists remains today a group that genuinely enjoys making music together says the group's business manager, Ashley Firestone '05. "For some [members], it's a brand new medium, and it's always interesting to try and figure out the intricacies of how one person's part in an arrangement . . .can fit in with the rest of the parts to make a really complicated and exciting song." This positive attitude radiates in every Starving Artist performance, particularly at their 'BIG' fall show on Nov. 6. The group premiered some great new tunes that included the upbeat "When I am King" by Great Big Sea and "Savin' All my Love," during which Julie Albert '08 gave an emotive solo reminiscent the soulful Joss Stone. The highlight of the night was the group's rendition of Dido's "White Flag" with arrangement so heartfelt and poignant, it was better than the real version.

Starving Artists also could be considered the Brandeis cheerleader of a cappella groups as the group annually hosts A Cappella Fest - a concert for charity in which all the campus a cappella groups participate. With their school spirit and overall positive attitude, the group is certainly not "starved" for talent.


Voices of Soul-Most Unique Style

Who ever knew Outkast's "Hey Ya!" could sounds so hot a cappella style? Voices of Soul is Brandeis's feature hip-hop and R&B a cappella group composed of 11 members, half of whom are new to the group this year. While Voices of Soul may not yet have all the vocal talent that is required for such acrobatic singing, their originality in combining two such polar genres makes the group more than worthwhile to see. Voices of Soul thus far have performed more than most ensembles, singing three events including the Fall Fest Variety Show on Oct. 22. It was at that show that their rendition of Mario Winans' "I Don't Wanna Know" stood out as one of the best among the night's performances - especially with the group coolly clad in dark shades reminiscent of the R&B star himself. Voices of Soul seem to enjoy being the only ensemble to focus on R&B & hip-hop music. "There seems to be some overlap in groups, and it might be better if there were a few less singing clubs," says President Ben Woodring '06. The group will next perform at the BCAC Coffeehouse on Nov. 17.


Voicemale-Best Vocal Talent

The boy-band of the Brandeis a cappella scene deserves to be admired for more than just their looks; Voicemale has achieved wide acclaim since their group was founded in 1994. Their forth album, Propeller, released last fall won Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award for Male Album of the Year as well as several prizes for their track, "Caravan." Opening their season during Fall Fest Weekend, Drew Cohen's '05 compellingly soulful rendition of John Hiatt's "Have a Little Faith in Me" and Voicemale's signature song "Falling Over You" by Rockapella with a strong solo by the impassioned Eli Schneider '06 introduced just a few of the musical treats this gifted group has in store for audiences this year. Combining intricate arrangements with great energy and choreography, the group boasts individually talented musicians who know how to use their voices to form a charismatic group blend. Voicemale will next perform at the BUCO and HTG coffeehouse on Nov. 12.


Up the Octave-Best Vocal Diversity

The ladies of Up the Octave are currently celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their ensemble. "We're known for our surprisingly low bass sound [for girls], vocal percussion, live performances and vocal tone/blend," comments President Courtney Whyte '05. As evidenced by their Oct. 27 performance at the Democrats' Coffeehouse, Up the Octave also has some of the best stylistic range of the groups. They easily make transitions from serious to sweet to sassy sounds as seen with Whyte's soulful solo on Otis Redding's "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" versus the pure tone of Afton Cyrus '06 on Ani DiFranco's "Buildings and Bridges."

Their wide range of vocal styles and variety of songs ensure that their audience is at least having a good time. Following their debut during Family Weekend, Up the Octave's next performance is tonight at Chum's for the Ballroom Dance Coffeehouse.


Proscenium-Most Expressive

Founded in the spring of 2000, Brandeis's musical theater a cappella group is named after the rectangular arch above a traditional stage. At the Tympanium Euphorium coffeehouse on Oct. 26, the group showed off their theatrical expressiveness. Sam Levor '07 and Samantha Sagui '06 in "A Whole New World" from Aladdin imitated the magic carpet ride while Mia Winton '07 flirted with the audience during her solo on "Out Tonight" from Rent. First-years Amanda Brown and Andrew Giordano have injected fresh vocal talent into the group.

President Alisha Atlas-Corbett '05 stresses, "Every member brings something special to the group and is an inspiration in their own, unique way. We all support and encourage each other, and are always mutual inspirations." Proscenium's next performance is on Nov. 16 at the Democrats' Coffeehouse at Chum's.