The Longfellows advanced to the semifinals of the International Collegiate Championship of A Cappella (ICCA), the only tournament of its kind, following a strong showing in quarterfinals last Saturday at Brown University. The all-male Bowdoin a cappella group, along with The Dynamics of University of Massachusetts-Amherst, beat out five other ensembles from the northeast.
"It is overwhelming being at this sort of competition because there is so much talent. We had to focus on our set, and not think about the other groups," said Pete Murphy '12.
The Longfellows performed "It Is Well," a traditional piece composed by Phillip P. Bliss in 1876, "Home" by Marc Broussard and "Border Song" by Elton John. They plan to sing the same songs, enhanced with harmonies and choreography, at the semifinals.
"We felt that it was a varied set that would show off our group's range and versatility," said Sam Waterbury '11, noting that the audience members even gave them a "standing ovation."
The Longfellows are the only all-male group to advance to the semifinals, which will be held at MIT on March 26.
"Semifinals is entirely different. These are the best groups in the Northeast, which is really the home of a cappella," said Murphy. "Needless to say, we are terrified."
Winners of the semifinals in six regions of the country will advance to the finals, held at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, where they will compete for cash prizes and the title of Grand Champion.
-Compiled by Anya Cohen.