In 2012, a certain film was released that would bring about several iconic pop culture references: the concept of horizontal running, the beloved Fat Amy and that girl who turned solo cups into instruments; inspiring countless videos of heartfelt impersonators doing their thing.
The association between a cappella and Pitch Perfect is one that McKinley Merritt is keenly aware of. Merritt, a senior in educational interpreting and theatre, is the music director and president of UT’s newest, and only coed, a cappella group –VOLT.
“The biggest thing I hear people compare groups like this to is Pitch Perfect, which I hate because that movie is not the best representation of what this field is like,” Merritt said.
After being in the all female group, Revolution, Merritt decided it was time to start something new. While trying to come up with a name for the group within the realm of “Vol-names,” VOLT was born.
“We liked the idea of it having to do with energy, new energy and creating energy” Merritt said. “Hopefully having that new spark will spark new interest.”
Kennedy Kyle, a senior majoring in communication studies, was also in Revolution and had spoken with Merritt about starting the new group last year. Kyle recalls receiving the email from Merritt confirming that their idea would be coming to fruition.
“I was thrilled because I felt that a group with both males and females could have a better chance in competing and that it would also provide a new opportunity and experience for us musically,” Kyle said.
Merritt explained that many larger schools in the Southeast have more established a cappella scenes, and some schools even have multiple groups.
“This is new for us, but it’s not something that’s a new idea by any means,” Merritt said.
VOLT understands this year will be a learning experience, especially as they learn what a brand new group of voices will sound like together. Nevertheless, excitement and optimism remain high.
Ellen Nikbakht, a sophomore double majoring in theatre and art education, shared her excitement.
“I’m so excited to see this group grow into something awesome,” Nikbakht said.
Aside from VOLT being coed, it differs from the other a cappella groups on campus in that members are not required to be involved in the choir –which Merritt acknowledges is a fairly restricting time constraint for many students wishing to participate in an a cappella group.
“As long as you know how to use your voice, that’s the biggest thing we’re looking for,” Merritt said.
Students will have the opportunity to show off their voices and audition for VOLT this Thursday through Saturday. Judging from the interest on the group’s Facebook page, current VOLT members are hopeful for a big turnout.
Since June, VOLT has received over 200 likes on Facebook as well as a fair amount of interest via email.
Merritt is encouraged by how well the group has fared so far, in addition to how well a cappella in general is being received as it becomes more mainstream. She credits this to the popularity of Pitch Perfect and groups like Pentatonix and the Vanderbilt group, the Melodores, who won NBC’s The Sing-Off holiday special.
“I’m especially excited for auditions and to be on the other side of table listening to newcomers,” Nikbakht said. “I’m hoping that freshmen hear about this upcoming group and audition and have fun!”
For more information about auditions, visit https://voltauditions.youcanbook.me
