This past Sunday, March 22, eight of Brandeis’ a cappella groups performed in their annual Acappellooza event in Schwartz Hall. Brandeis has many a capella groups, ranging in styles from pop to musical theater. The Justice had the pleasure of an interview via email with Starving Artists’ Public Relations, Emily Confino-Miller ’26. Here is what she had to say regarding Acapallooza: 

The Justice: What kind of prep goes into making Acapallooza happen? 

Confino-Miller: When planning Acappellooza, the biggest challenge is coordinating a date that works for all of the a cappella groups. Once the date is set, we secure a venue and organize logistics, including having each group sign up for designated soundcheck slots and coordinating with Student production services to handle microphones and run soundchecks. On the day of the performance, we decorated the venue to create a lively, engaging atmosphere. I designed promotional graphics, hung posters, and created a detailed program that includes each group’s setlist, soloists, arrangers, and additional performance details. I also secured an emcee to introduce the show and keep it running smoothly.

The Justice: What got you into a cappella, and how has it shaped your time at Brandeis?

Confino-Miller: I’ve been singing and writing music since I was little, and I’ve always been involved in plays and choirs. My high school didn’t have an a cappella group, but I was obsessed with “Pitch Perfect"and “Glee" and always dreamed of being part of a close-knit group like that. When I transferred to Brandeis during my junior year, I didn’t know anyone and was really nervous about finding my people. The moment I joined Starving Artists, that completely changed. I instantly felt like I had found a second family. Beyond performing, these are the people I spend so much of my time with, and they’ve shaped my entire college experience. A cappella has also allowed me to bring my love for songwriting into arranging for the group, and there’s nothing cooler than hearing chords I wrote in MuseScore come to life through voices. The people in this group never let hard work go unseen. When you’re hanging out with friends in an a cappella group, a single word can remind someone of a song, and suddenly we’re all jumping in, making up harmonies on the spot and singing our hearts out, and there's nothing else like it. 

The Justice: What is your favorite song to perform as a group?

Confino-Miller: My favorite song to perform as a group is “Dancing With The Devil”, originally performed by Demi Lovato, because it is my senior song! I have been singing this song ever since it was introduced to me in high school, and it is so cool being able to sing it with all of the talented members in Starving Artists!