During auditions, ensemble reflects on process
‘Pitch Perfect’- URI a cappella group, Rhody Rhapsodies take to stage for another year of friendly competition. PHOTO CREDIT: Hannah Charron | Staff Photographer
The Rhody Rhapsodies have been working hard to start up the 2022-2023 a cappella season at the University of Rhode Island.
Auditions were held Sep. 19 and 20 at the Memorial Union as they look to add new members to their harmonic group for this school year.
Senior Andy Campron, the president of the Rhody Rhapsodies, said that the ensemble was created in 2015 by a group of people who loved to sing. The Rhapsodies sing in an SATB a cappella style, meaning the singers are separated soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections, as well as a beatboxer. They practice twice a week from 7-9 on Mondays and Wednesdays on the 3rd floor in the Memorial Union.
“A typical rehearsal begins with announcements about performances coming up and/or new music,” Campron said. “Then, we do warmups and break out into vocal sections to work on a part of a piece. After, we all come back to sing that part together.”
According to Campron, one or more group members will submit an arrangement of their own curation and bring it to the board, who then decides which song or songs will be added to their repertoire.
Campron said that members of the Rhody Rhapsodies come from all different majors and backgrounds. His love for music fueled his desire to audition and eventually lead the club as a senior.
“I joined a cappella because I’ve always loved to sing and, when I got to URI my freshman year, the Rhody Rhapsodies gave me a chance to express myself,” Campron said.
Throughout the years, the group has performed a number of different arrangements, including Campron’s personal favorite, “Friend Like Me.” He said it was fun to work on this piece and be interactive with more of a musical theater style.
The Rhapsodies also perform many ballads, including one by the famous a cappella group Pentatonix entitled “Run To You.”
At the start of November, the Rhapsodies expect to have their first performance of the semester, typically being an invitational event where a cappella groups from all over New England gather to share their music. The event usually has five to six ensembles perform at three songs per group.
Juliana Marcotrigiano, a returning senior, has been part of the Rhody Rhapsodies for seven semesters – a time which would have been greater without the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During her freshman year, Marcotrigiano was a soprano, but as the years went by, her voice has lowered between the alto and tenor range. She said that the Rhapsodies has been a great experience with room for adjustment in both her vocal ability and individuality.
Marcotrigiano came to URI not knowing much about the Rhapsodies, but had previous experience with a cappella at her high school. A friend who was in the group encouraged her to become a member.
“It was everything I could ever wish for,” Marcotrigiano said. “I met all of my best friends in [this] group.”
Two of her personal favorite arrangements from her time with the Rhapsodies are a Harry Styles medley which was performed last December, as well as “Friend Like Me,” much like Campron, because of its upbeat nature.
Marcotrigiano recommended this club to any incoming freshman or upperclassmen and said that the Rhapsodies helped her get involved and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
To learn more about the Rhody Rhapsodies, visit their website and follow their Instagram page @TheRhodyRhapsodies.