When people on campus find out that they have a friend who can sing, they almost inevitably ask if they are part of an a cappella group. While this question appears to be a compliment, it is incredibly frustrating to hear. The question reflects the imbalance in performance opportunities offered to a cappella groups over solo musicians. Additionally, it implies that one has more credibility as a singer if one is in an a cappella group. The reality however, is that an interest or a talent in singing does not always intersect with an interest or participation in a cappella. The question implies that one is only validated as a “singer” if they are a part of an a cappella group and as a result, it slights those who take pride in singing but do not do a cappella simply for this reason, despite how involved they are in the music scene on campus.
Of course, there are a couple of reasons why this question is so common. One is the “everyone can sing and audition” approach a cappella groups have to recruiting. The most striking example of this was a Meddibempsters poster in my first-year that featured seniors taking showers accompanied by the text (somewhat paraphrased due to faulty memory) “Do you enjoy singing in the shower? Come audition for the Meddibempsters!” I understand why posters like this come around: finding the exact voice parts necessary for group is difficult and demands that groups cast a wide net to capture their ruby-throated sparrow of choice.
The “everybody can do it” ethos, however, works in multiple directions. While it encourages uninitiated students who may have never sung live as part of a group to sing with other talented and wonderful people at Bowdoin, being a part of an a capella group becomes a status symbol on campus. You are a “singer” if you are in an a cappella group.
Another reason this question is problematic is that it draws attention the imbalance in performance opportunities afforded to a cappella groups. In a group, you have the chance to perform at the broadest spectrum of events than any other group on campus. From appearances at Eco-rep coffee houses to performances at Student Night at the Museum to campus-wide Ivies kickoff concerts, no solo performer, or lead vocalist of a band can ever hope to have the kinds of varied and frequent performance opportunities as those who are in a cappella groups, no matter how hard one work. An a cappella group is not only called on more frequently than a solo artist, but also will be individually fawned over for having the gold standard of Bowdoin’s singing talent. In contrast, no individual performer will receive such lavish praise.
We are a campus of many musically talented students, many of whom have wonderful singing voices. Such talent does not need to be justified by one’s participation in an a cappella group. A cappella just is not every singer’s cup of warm tea mixed with honey (you know, to preserve those tender vocal chords). Vocal talent is all across campus. We can see this in Unplugged sessions behind the Cafe, in that one friend who has a surprisingly good rendition of Adele’s “Hello”, and in students who take classical or jazz voice lessons through the music department. Every one of these students takes pride in his or her voice and identifies as much a singer as much as any member of an a cappella group. It’s worth appreciating the incredible vocal talents of students in and out of a cappella groups regardless of their involvement. Does that mean that I think a cappella receives undue appreciation? Absolutely not. But I think credit is due to the voices of those who not only put themselves out there to sing in front of other people, but do a fucking good job of it regardless of the context.