A capella notes - a review of the singing season
by Jenn Rubin
Arts | 11/9/04
Posted online at 2:48 AM EST on 11/9/04
Brandeis has over nine a cappella groups, a testament to the love of singing and the genuine interest in music on this campus. A form of singing that features vocals without the accompaniment of instruments, a cappella styles range from rock to rap, pop to punk and even encompass musical theater. Students flock to their concerts and coffeehouses to take in this popular form of musical entertainment on campus. You might call me somewhat of an a cappella addict. I have heard all the groups below sing this semester, some at least once. The following is a look into what these groups have been up to and how each contributes to the stylistic diversity of a cappella at Brandeis.
Company B - Best Overall A Cappella Group
Company B, founded back in 1984, was Brandeis's first a cappella group. Today the group performs oldies favorites mainly from the 60s and 70s. Fittingly, the group's name references the 1941 Andrews Sisters hit, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (of Company B)." After opening their season with a Family Weekend concert on Oct. 24, the 10 singers brought the house down at the Brandeis Democrats' coffeehouse on Oct. 27 where Binny Kagedan '08 gave a seasoned, sensational rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Signed Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours." David Kaufer's '06 performance of "Dancin' in the Moonlight" by King Harvest also exemplified the group's overall energetic stage presence and shared love of oldies music. With cute choreography, clever song arrangements and clear vocal talent, Company B has the ability to get a whole room dancing during each one of their performances. The group will next perform on Nov. 10 at the BUCO and HTG Coffeehouse at Chum's.
Manginah-Most Creative
Manginah, which means "melody" in Hebrew, is a perfect name for Brandeis's premiere Jewish a cappella group. Founded 11 years ago, Business Manager Hillel Skolnik '06 says Manginah continues to appeal the most to Brandeis's Jewish population. Perhaps best known for their creative arrangements, Manginah's pop song parodies written each year to celebrate the holiday of Purim are immensely popular with audiences. In their version of "Geula," they cleverly add a bridge where they insert the English translation of this Hebrew song.
Company B - Best Overall A Cappella Group
Company B, founded back in 1984, was Brandeis's first a cappella group. Today the group performs oldies favorites mainly from the 60s and 70s. Fittingly, the group's name references the 1941 Andrews Sisters hit, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (of Company B)." After opening their season with a Family Weekend concert on Oct. 24, the 10 singers brought the house down at the Brandeis Democrats' coffeehouse on Oct. 27 where Binny Kagedan '08 gave a seasoned, sensational rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Signed Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours." David Kaufer's '06 performance of "Dancin' in the Moonlight" by King Harvest also exemplified the group's overall energetic stage presence and shared love of oldies music. With cute choreography, clever song arrangements and clear vocal talent, Company B has the ability to get a whole room dancing during each one of their performances. The group will next perform on Nov. 10 at the BUCO and HTG Coffeehouse at Chum's.
Manginah-Most Creative
Manginah, which means "melody" in Hebrew, is a perfect name for Brandeis's premiere Jewish a cappella group. Founded 11 years ago, Business Manager Hillel Skolnik '06 says Manginah continues to appeal the most to Brandeis's Jewish population. Perhaps best known for their creative arrangements, Manginah's pop song parodies written each year to celebrate the holiday of Purim are immensely popular with audiences. In their version of "Geula," they cleverly add a bridge where they insert the English translation of this Hebrew song.
