Groovestand a cappella to host fall invitational this Friday

Groovestand A Cappella will perform its annual fall invitational, featuring a mix of songs from artists like Rihanna and The Turtles, but this year, for the first time, the concert will benefit to local organizations. 

Members of the co-ed ensemble chose Onondaga Environmental Institute, We Rise Above the Streets and HumaneCNY as possible local nonprofits to benefit. Admission to the concert this Friday is free, but attendees are encouraged to give to one of the groups chosen. 

“We haven’t done a benefit concert before,” said sophomore Morgan Eaton, president of the a cappella group. “I think it’s really important because lots of times nonprofits within the community might not have a platform on campus, and this is our way of giving them a platform so they can spread their message to the student body.” 

Music arrangements for the fall invitational were developed this semester by musical directors Manda Borden and Natalie Pereira, and vary each year, Eaton said. She added that each member is asked to suggest songs, and the result reflects every member of the group. 

Daniel Pauker, a senior who has been an active member of Groovestand since his freshman year, said the invitationals are his favorite experiences.  

The theme of this year’s event is business casual, inspired by a song by American funk band Vulfpeck that Groovestand will sing in Friday’s performance, Eaton said.  

The group rehearses three days per week for two hours each day, Eaton said. The more they practice, the easier it is for singers to remember their parts, Eaton said. 

“We’re preparing for (the fall invitational) longer than any other performance in the year, so to see it all accumulate into one performance that we all feel great about every year is something that we all look forward to,” Pauker said.  

Eaton added that the executive board works to ensure each practice is engaging because of how taxing the amount can be. 

Pauker also said the friendships formed in Groovestand are supportive and welcoming, and that the performances can be bittersweet, for seniors especially. He added that the a cappella ensemble was where he first made his group of friends as a freshman.   

“It was nice to feel like I was a part of something when that’s sometimes a really difficult transition period,” he said.  

Briana Gilyard, a freshman in Groovestand, agreed with Pauker. She said being able to talk to seniors during her first couple of weeks about what to expect at SU was helpful.  

Groovestand will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Pauker said what has remained constant is the group’s closeness, which comes across in its performances.  

“Having a group that works well together that can collaborate, and that can really enjoy the process of learning music is just going to make our sound that much better,” said Eaton. “The dynamic is almost as important as the musical ability.”