University women’s student vocal ensemble Divisi won first place at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella West Regional Finals at Stanford University this past
weekend. In addition to scoring
86 points above the nearest of their seven competitors, Divisi also won awards for outstanding choreography and outstanding solo by Evynne Smith for Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock.”
“We’ve never given a better performance ever,” Divisi member Katie Hopkins said. Hopkins added that the group enjoyed a strong fan base at the Stanford show, including parents, On The Rocks members, and friends. On The Rocks is the male student vocal ensemble at
the University.
“It kind of felt like a home crowd when we were singing,” Hopkins said.
Divisi will compete in the ICCA finals at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City on April 30, where the six North American regional champions and the winners of a cappella tournaments from other countries will vie for the title of 2005 International Champion, according to the ICCA Web site. Divisi will perform the same set of songs it performed at divisionals in Eugene and at Stanford: “Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox, “Yeah!” by Usher, and “Woodstock.” Hopkins said Divisi’s transportation costs will be covered by ICCA and by proceeds from Divisi concerts and CD sales.
Divisi and On The Rocks perform every Friday at 4 p.m. in the
EMU Amphitheater. The groups will present their last show of the term on Friday, March 11 and will resume during week one of spring term.