The Fordham University a cappella scene ushered in the new month with their Spring Teaser on March 1, held in Keating First. The singing was fitting for the windy weather of the day, with harmonies and vocal runs gusting through the lecture hall. 

The concert consisted of five different Fordham University singing groups, including the F Sharps who blew in from Lincoln Center. In less than an hour, the groups were able to demonstrate their range with two or three compositions each, leaving audience members excited for more. 

Kicking off the musical mishmash and coming in hot were the Hot Notes. With a uniform of red and black, it was clear that this group was ready to get straight to the music and after a delay in the beginning, my ears were more than ready.  

Soloist Estella Maguire, FCRH ’28, led the charge of this battalion singing Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke,” a song that facilitated lots of scatting and a catchy bass line that got the room on their feet (metaphorically). However, with all the background excitement, the soloist was partially overtaken by the rest of the group.  

The situation was remedied in the following song and Beatles classic “Let it Be” with a coed duet and an octave jump at the very end that warranted a holler from somewhere behind me. The slowed-down mood shift allowed for a smooth transition to the silky voices of the Satin Dolls. 

As the first of two groups who opted for the white-top-blue-jean combination, the Satin Dolls demonstrated their ability to keep a bass sound as a completely female ensemble. Their set began with a rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” that bore a groovy R&B mood comparable to the Lauryn Hill version as opposed to the classic Franki Valli and the Four Seasons take. The soloist leading the charge, Lila Gagliardi, FCRH ’28, impressively maintained a lower timbre that captivated the audience.  

Contrarily, the high tones present in their performance of “Kiss Me” were addictingly ethereal and the perfect complement to the gentle, melodic voice of soloist Sam Ekanayake, GSB ’25. The song stayed true to the original and left me feeling as if I were floating. That is until the F Sharps brought me right back to my seat.  

Unlike the turbulent and choppy Ram Van ride up to Rose Hill the group was probably subjected to hours prior, there was not an ounce of instability in this performance. As the only Fordham a cappella group to participate in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA), these singers brought their A-(capella)-game with flawless transitions that eliminated all breaks in between songs.  

Joshua Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, and second-year Rambler praised the performance. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone do an ICCA-style set,” said Rodriguez. “So that was pretty cool.” Cool indeed, Rodriguez, cool indeed. 

After the cinematic, haunting harmonies of säje’s “Desert Song,” the F Sharps showed off their in-real-life Spotify transition setting into WILLOW’s “Big Feelings” sung by Heaven Holford, FCRH ’25. The seamless switch from a slow-paced somber song to an edgy beat had me hooked.  

After a crescendo that gave me literal goosebumps, the group proceeded to their final song “Not Strong Enough” by Boygenius. From the certainly strong enough lead voices to the equally captivating background accompaniment, the F Sharps commanded the attention of the audience and were awarded with prolonged applause.  

One reason that F Sharp president Holford gives for the choir’s chemistry is the positive environment that they’ve been able to foster.  

“We all vibe so well together and we’ve become such a good group of friends,” said Holford. “I love to sing with them on stage.” 

The LC troupe was thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with their belting Bronx brethren, and I personally see myself taking the trip downtown to see the full show this coming April.  

Decked out in Paul Bunyan apparel, the flannel-adorned men of the Ramblers took the stage with swank and pizazz, singing the soulful “Virtual Insanity” by Jamiroquai. The lead for the song had the audience captivated with his stage presence and movement. This group was the most active on the stage by far. 

“We always joke around ‘we’re an a cappella group, we’re not going to be the cool kids,’” commented Rodriguez, explaining the club’s love of movement. “If you’re standing up there pretending like you’re cool, you’re just gonna look a little silly.” 

This brotherhood’s sense of camaraderie is apparent on the stage, and it’s not just for show. 

“We’re not just a club that sings, we’re a group of friends,” said Rodriguez. “You’re doing stuff that you love with people you also love.” 

To wrap up, the B-Sides strutted on stage as the second white-top-blue-jeans band (callback!) to perform the fan-favorite 2000s throwback: “Unwritten.” The soloist brought an energy and spirit to the room contagious enough to prompt an on-beat clapping moment among the audience by the end of the song.  

Finally, the show wrapped up with a stunning performance of “Love on the Brain” that consisted of high notes and ad-libs that demonstrated the high energy and excitement of the company. Who needs the much-awaited ninth Rihanna album when you have collegiate a cappella, am I right? 

All of these lovely groups have end-of-year concerts, so if you missed this one, don’t despair! There is still time to release your inhibitions, feel the rain on your skin and hear these talented Ram voices. After all, no one else can hear them for you.