Valentine’s Day is usually a time when people indulge in candy hearts, cards made of construction paper and roses.
But the 14 determined women of Divisi have bigger things on their minds this week.
The University’s acclaimed female a cappella group will compete in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella quarterfinals Saturday at the Hult Center.
Divisi member Michaela Cordova said the singers chose songs with significant contrast for the competition.
“We’re not following a very traditional standard. It’s really diverse, so that is going to work to our benefit, hopefully,” she said.
Cordova, a junior studying psychology, naturally gravitated toward Divisi because she has been singing her entire life.
“Coming to the University of Oregon, I wanted to be involved with something that was different,” she said. “I’m not a choral person. I like rock music.”
Junior Andrea Trent Welsh, who is double-majoring in Spanish and International Studies, said a cappella appeals to a wide range of people.

“You don’t have to sing classical music, you don’t have to sing rock music, you don’t have to sing alternative music. You can sing all of those and its all accepted,” she said.
Welsh wanted to find a group that combined her appreciation of choral music and musical theater. She found what she was looking for in Divisi.
“Divisi blends those two elements of choral music and showmanship perfectly.”
Originally formed in the winter of 2002, Divisi has made it to the finals in the past, but the group hopes to take the title this year.
Divisi has a meticulous audition process.
Students have to perform a solo piece, do sight reading and choreography exercises, perform with an ensemble, harmonize and sit through a detailed interview.
There is a reason why potential group members are subjected to such an uncompromising trial, Welsh said.
“It is as rigorous as it is because our schedule is so intense,” she said.
“We have a lot of time commitments. So the girls have to be ready.”
But the girls agree that it is worth the commitment in the end, Cordova said.
Divisi rehearses several times a week and performs at least once a week. The group also sings every Friday at the EMU Amphitheater with male a cappella group On the Rocks.
Though the group is not affiliated with the University, Welsh said it receives a lot of support. “President Frohnmayer is incredibly supportive of us,” she said.
“He’s like our number one fan,” Cordova added.
Quarterfinals are being held at 18 other universities all over the United States, including three in California. The groups that win quarterfinals in the West will compete at the semifinals March 15 in San Rafael, Calif.
The ICCA Finals will be held on April 19 at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City.
Alongside the ICCA competition, Divisi is also gearing up for the launch of its third album this spring.
On Saturday, you can share one of the most important days of the year with Divisi because 14 Valentines are better than one.