A student-favorite tradition — and one of the first of the school year — Rotunda Sing is a chance for the University’s a capella world to join forces and share their pride with the student body. 17 musical groups performed on the Lawn Wednesday, marking the 37th annual Rotunda Sing.
The show was complete with roving lights and the cheers of hundreds of students gathered together to support the musical performances. Organized by the University Programs Council, spectators were treated to complimentary Mellow Mushroom pizza, Kona Ice and a Farmacy food truck, plus free Rotunda Sing shirts and sunglasses were available on the South Lawn.
Such a successful night, complete with food and merch, is no easy feat to put together. Diarra Ndoye, director of the arts and enrichment committee of UPC and third-year College student, said that they worked since May to plan the event. While logistically complex, Rotunda Sing was a success in Ndoye’s eyes, and she mentioned that there was good turnout and retention, making the months of planning worth it.
“It can be stressful, but I feel like it's really rewarding to see everyone enjoying the concert and having a good time,” Ndoye said.
The night officially kicked off with the University Singers, the school’s flagship choir directed by Professor and Conductor Michael Slon. The mixed voice group performed “Virginia Hail” and "Will the Circle be Unbroken" arranged by J. David Moore. At the end of the second song, the audience joined the singers in their performance by clapping with them.
For Sasha Geisinger, member of the New Dominions a capella group and third-year Batten student, sharing this kind of energy with the audience is a highlight of the event.
“I just love watching all the other groups and just seeing how much joy that we bring and can also get from the audience,” Geisinger said.
The New Dominions, the University’s oldest all gender a cappella group, performed “Don’t Take the Money” by the Bleachers and "That's So True" by Gracie Abrams. The group boasted a mix of voices that hit high and deep notes alike, making for a beautifully layered and emotional performance.
The energy on the Lawn was kept up by groups like the Flying V’s, a “rockapella” group who performed “Movin’ Out" by Billy Joel and "Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigne. Tyler Taute, member and fourth-year College student, expressed that their vigor is a part of their commitment to rock.
“Keeping that energy and that like rock and roll spirit, I feel, is what it's all about,” Taute said.
Taute mentioned that the group practiced four hours a day for over a week before Rotunda Sing, which was evident in their electrifying performance, met with audience cheers. Upon their entrance, the stage lights turned red, setting the group against their signature color. Taute’s own solo in “Movin’ Out" was confident and powerful, as he was surrounded by his fellow members who danced with him.
The Flying V’s were not the only group to bring life to the stage — Zubin Kaul, member of the Harmonious Hoos and fourth-year College student, is in his fourth year in a capella on Grounds and has plans to go out with a bang.
“This doesn't feel like it's the last one. I'm gonna bring the same energy to it regardless,” Kaul said.
Kaul also noted that while a capella is a large part of the University’s music scene, Rotunda Sing represents every singing organization at the University. The variety of the University’s a capella and musical groups runs deep, and there truly is a niche for everyone — even those who cannot sing.
The No Tones, known for being a musically inept a capella group, took the stage with confidence despite their self proclaimed ineptitude. They performed “679” by Fetty Wap, and “Side to Side” by Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. The crowd welcomed them to the stage, and gave them a warm cheer as they exited. Ian Willinghan, No Tones member and fourth-year Engineering student, expressed his gratitude to the group.
“It has offered me the chance to perform at these so fun concerts, because I'm not someone who likes to sit in the crowd, " Willinghan said. “It’s given me an opportunity with no talent to showcase that no talent.”
It was clear that the talent on stage varied widely. The Virginia Sil’hooettes, the University’s most awarded a capella group, delivered a stunning version of “Feather” by Sabrina Carpenter and “Oh my god” by Adele. The group is an all female treble group whose silky voices navigated the notes of the songs expertly.
Watching from the crowd, second-year College student Enzo Reginelli spoke on what initially drew him to attend.
“I think a capella is fun to watch, and it's very cool. It's a unique thing that U.Va. has a lot of,” Reginelli said.
Watching from the crowd, second-year College student Addison Campbell, noted that it was a lively night, and appreciated the diversity of the music that stood out to him.
“I love the variety. The variety is something that a lot of schools lack,” Campbell said.
After 4 hours of music flooding the Lawn, the night wrapped itself up, putting another great year of singing in the books.
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