Each of Colgate’s a cappella groups exuded an infectious energy during their showcase Thursday, August 28. The audience engaged with each group by cheering and clapping, starting with the Swinging Gates and ending with the Colgate 13. 

The groups all sang during first-year orientation, but the performances were just as exciting the second time, capturing the attention of all first-years considering signing up.

The Swinging ‘Gates opened the show with a sweet rendition of the Beatles’ “Yesterday,” singing in unison and with perfect pitch. They followed with a powerful song,“Next to Me,” by Emili Sandé, featuring senior soloist Allie Schneider. Schneider demonstrated her high range while belting out the chorus.

At the orientation performance, the Mantiphondrakes sang “Digital Love” by Daft Punk.

They began by singing the same song until junior Karl Uy pulled on a trench coat and belted out the famous song “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. The audience was certainly “Rickrolled” by the Mantiphondrakes, a practice I had believed died back in 2008. But there’s no denying the effect wasn’t hilarious. They followed with “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran, ending the set on a somber and serious note. 

The Colgate Resolutions showed off their talented vocalists with their selections of “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes and “The Scientist” by Coldplay. Senior Rachel DiSalvo performed “Seven Nation Army” with intensity, while “The Scientist” was soulfully sung by junior Kevin Yapaola. A mash-up that included Coldplay’s “Fix You” gathered a lot of applause. 

Next, the Colgate Dischords took the stage. With senior Kat Wolkin singing “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane and mashing-up “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic with “Timber” by Pitbull, they knew how to get the audience’s attention. Junior Ben Kaufman used his solo during “Counting Stars” to show off his dance moves, which included much hip-shaking. 

Last but not least, the Colgate 13 sang “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder, as well as a medley of Daft Punk songs. Senior Tate Daugherty provided the vocals for Wonder’s song using the Motown style. “Instant Crush,” “Lose Yourself to Dance” and “Get Lucky” comprised the Daft Punk grouping, which was well-received by the audience. Emmett Potts, another senior, sang using an impressively high falsetto during his solo in “Lose Yourself to Dance.” 

After the show, those interested in trying out for any of the a cappella groups crowded around sign-up tables. Various members encouraged people to sign up, which wasn’t very difficult, as attendees were easily convinced. 

 “I was blown away by how good the groups were. They had great intonation and seemed like they were having a lot of fun,” first-year student Shelby Holland said.

“The groups performed so well and had a good energy coming from them,” first-year student Nam Nguyen said. 

The a cappella showcase resulted in many first-years hoping to become a part of the singing. Even better, it provided an hour of entertainment filled with great music, dancing, and energy.