One of the many is coed a cappella group Cockappella, founded in 2008 by Bobby Arcovio. Today, president and fourth-year political science student Alex James hopes the group can jam its way into the International Championship for Collegiate A Cappella (yes, like in “Pitch Perfect”) for a third time. Although advancing to the finals would be a rewarding experience, James stressed that just competing together as a group and performing is its own reward.
James first joined the group in fall of 2012 and has been involved with Cockappella ever since. He grew up singing in choir, attending a creative arts elementary school and an audition-only performing arts middle and high school, Charleston County School of the Arts, where he majored in vocal. He also performed in musical theatre productions such as “Guys and Dolls” where he played the role of Sky Masterson.
The 14 members of the a cappella group mimic instrument sounds using only their mouths. The group performs covers of popular songs such as “This Love” or “Jar of Hearts,” but the Cockappella members themselves almost always create the arrangement, sometimes with the help of alumni members.
“It’s a very family-like group, so we’re very serious about it and we put a lot of time into it. So when seniors graduate, you still feel connected to it,” James said. “I think that’s why former members have helped out.”
The group is currently in the process of recording a single or two at a former member’s family's recording studio for iTunes and other music avenues. They plan to create a music video to go along with one of the covers. They are not new to life in the recording studio; Cockappella released an album in the spring of 2013.
“We all learned something new from that experience,” James said. “It definitely changed the way we looked at songs that we picked to sing and perform. [We think] about how they sound in live performance but also how they sound on the CD.”
The group as a whole is excited for anyone to join the crew, but are especially anxious for new freshmen to audition so they can have four years to learn and grow with the group and perform at venues such as Jake’s, the chapel on the Horseshoe, the open area in the engineering building and private functions.
Students can prepare a song of his or her choice to perform for the group. Callbacks are being held Sunday where Cockappella will sing along with students to see how everyone’s voices sound together.
“My favorite part is when we get to that point where we all know our parts, “ James said. “We’ve worked on it and memorized it and have it really good and solid and we do that one performance where it’s just like — you start to shiver, because you can feel the energy and excitement in everyone’s voices."