The University of Oregon is taking West Coast collegiate a cappella by storm.
On Jan. 31, UO’s a cappella groups Mind the Gap and On The Rocks placed first and second, respectively, in the West Quarterfinals of the International Collegiate Championship of A Cappella. They will advance together to the ICCA West Semifinals that will be held on March 28.
For the ICCA, groups from all over the country prepare sets of music using only their voices, complete with choreography and beat-boxing effects. You may be familiar with the name — the popular movie Pitch Perfect was inspired by the ICCA. The movie’s intense rivalry between an all-male and all-female group should be familiar as well: It was based on Divisi, UO’s all-female a cappella ensemble (Divisi chose not to compete this year).
As is often the case, the movie didn’t quite get it right. “That movie portrays being in an a cappella group as super cutthroat. When you’re in On The Rocks, it’s something else,” said member Jack Strother-Blood. “You’re not worried about impressing anyone. You’re just being yourself.”
Travis Turley, another On The Rocks member, added that this competition “is the first time (On The Rocks) has competed in six years.”
For Mind The Gap, the world of competition is a bit more familiar. The group came home with a win at last year’s quarterfinals, and is driven to continue that tradition.
“People don’t really see us as the ‘winning group,’ but this year I feel like people are starting to,” Cameron Graham, a member of Mind The Gap, said.
“Since we got first place last year, we built up a little bit of momentum, and I think we’re becoming more of a name this year,” added Micah Collamer, another singer in the ensemble.
Mind The Gap sees itself as much more than its successes. “It’s like being in a brotherhood or a sisterhood… It becomes that, and the singing is the side part,” said Graham.
That friendly spirit exists across group lines, as well. When asked their thoughts on advancing together, the response was positive from both groups. “I thought we both did the best and I was just happy that we were able to represent Oregon,” said Strother-Blood.
Donovan Cassell, another member of On The Rocks, added, “We were really happy that it was two University of Oregon groups and not one U of O group and the group from Western. We have a horrible rivalry with them.”
As the semifinals approach, both On The Rocks and Mind The Gap are hard at work polishing their sets and making travel plans. Though competitive stress is mounting, the groups share a similar philosophy: “Our top goal is just giving what we have, and just having fun,” said Strother-Blood. Mind the Gap’s Lauren Kahn echoed this sentiment.
“I want to be able to look at the video of our performance, and just be like, ‘Yeah. That’s what we meant to do.’”
Keep up with Mind The Gap and On The Rocks on Twitter as they take on the semifinals: @uomindthegap & @uoontherocks