Baylor A Cappella Group Places at International Competition

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WACO, Texas (May 21, 2015) – Baylor a cappella group VirtuOSO was pitch perfect as they placed fourth at this year’s International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA).
After finishing in first place in the quarterfinals and semifinals, the group was named the ICCA South Regional Champion, making it the first a cappella group from Texas to make it to the final round of the competition, held April 17 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
“Getting to compete in New York City with VirtuOSO was an unprecedented privilege for all of us,” said Baylor senior Megan Becker. “Prior to this competition season, we had never advanced past the quarterfinal round.”
Six other groups from across the nation and one group from London competed in the competition, which initially had more than 700 hundred submissions from a cappella groups across the globe.
“We had the privilege of performing with some of the most talented groups in the nation and the U.K. Getting to hear their sound and seeing how they operate like families allowed us to feel the strong community of a cappella around the country, and it became clear that there is a visible joy in sharing this music with the world. Even though ICCA is certainly a competition, there is a camaraderie in the a cappella world in which we are blessed to participate,” Becker said.
The a cappella group also will be featured this May in an upcoming series titled “Sing It On!” on Pop TV that premiered on May 13 and airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
VirtuOSO was formed in 2012 by Baylor lecturer in choral music Dinah Menger. Currently, the group has 14 members from various majors at Baylor and recently finished inducting its new members. The singers will continue to perform next year and are awaiting the release of their first album.
by Spencer Cutright, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Our students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, the students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. The School of Music of Baylor University is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs leading to the bachelor of music education degree conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency.