The Boston University Terpsichords are scheduled to compete in the International Championship of Collegiate a cappella Saturday after taking first place in a semi-final competition last week.
Terpsichords President Emily Ezzie, a College of Fine Arts junior, said the group is happy to have advanced and is aware of the tough competition ahead.
“We were lucky enough to get first place in the semi-finals,” Ezzie said. “Now we are just going to prepare well and have fun.”
More than 800 campus groups around North America enter the competition, which includes all-male, mixed, and all-female a cappella groups and will be held in Morse Auditorium on Feb. 23.
Ezzie says the all-female Terpsichords are preparing for the competition by following a tough practice schedule and working hard.
“It’s pretty hardcore,” Ezzie said. “We practice two nights a week for three hours.”
CFA junior Sarah Chase, a member of the group, also stressed the group’s commitment.
“We just keep drilling songs in our heads until it’s perfect,” Chase said.
CFA junior Ashley Nelson, the Terpsichords’ music director, is taking the competition one step at a time.
“At first it was just about getting past the first round,” Nelson said. “We are definitely having fun.”
Both Chase and Nelson said one of their main concerns when performing in such a renowned competition is the difficulty of competing with mixed and all-male a cappella groups, who are able to use more musical range.
“It is hard for female a cappella groups to compete against male and mixed groups because musically those groups have an advantage,” Nelson said. “As a music director, I am trying to raise the bar for female a capella groups.”
Chase agreed there are difficulties, but she said the Terpsichords can overcome these disadvantages.
“We have a responsibility to be even better because of that disadvantage, and that is what makes us unique,” Chase said. “I do think we stand a chance because we are that good.”
The championship will be held on Feb. 23 in Morse Auditorium at 8 p.m. and will be hosted by Varsity Vocals Productions.
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