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New to Tufts’ acapella scene? From navigating O-Week performances and auditions to understanding callbacks and finding your perfect group, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to get involved. Whether you’re hoping to join a group or just want to catch a great performance, here’s your guide to making the most of Tufts’ vibrant acapella community.

If you are anything like me, Tufts’ legendary acapella scene may have been one of the things that caught your attention when deciding where to go to college. With ten unique groups, countless performances, hours of rehearsals, and even the occasional Riff-Off, acapella can quickly become one of the most memorable parts of your Tufts experience.

But if you’re a first-year student, the acapella world can also feel a little overwhelming. What are all these groups? When are auditions? Can you audition for more than one? And, most importantly, how do you make sure you experience acapella during your four years at Tufts?

Orientation Week
During Orientation Week (or O-Week), Tufts’ acapella groups seem to be everywhere. You’ll find them singing outside residence halls, in front of dining halls, and around campus as they introduce themselves to the newest members of the Tufts community.

O-Week is also packed with opportunities to hear the groups perform. Acapella groups participate in events like O-Show, Hillel Bagel Brunch, Matriculation, and Acapella O-Show—an event dedicated entirely to showcasing Tufts’ ten groups. Each group performs a couple of songs, giving you a chance to hear the different styles and personalities of the groups all in one place.

Even if you have no intention of auditioning, O-Week is the perfect time to explore the scene. Stop and listen when you hear singing, introduce yourself to group members, and get a feel for what makes each group unique. And if you are thinking about auditioning, it’s a great way to start figuring out which groups might be the right fit for you.

Auditions
Acapella auditions take place during the first few weeks of the fall semester. The process is split into two weeks, giving students multiple opportunities to audition.

The first week typically includes The Tufts Amalgamates (the ‘Mates), Tufts’ oldest all-gender acapella group; The Beelzebubs (the Bubs), Tufts’ oldest all-male group; and The Jackson Jills (the Jills), Tufts’ oldest all-femme group.

Audition sign-ups are generally posted on each group’s Instagram, and once you sign up, you’ll receive information about what to prepare. Requirements vary by group. For example, the ‘Mates ask auditionees to prepare a verse and chorus of a song of their choice, along with a short joke or story.

And don’t panic if your audition time is very late. With some groups receiving close to 100 auditions, audition days can stretch well into the night. 

The most important thing to remember? Everyone auditioning is in the same boat. You don’t need to be a professional singer, and you definitely don’t need to have everything figured out before you walk into the room. Go in, have fun, and let the group get to know you.

Callbacks and Consultations
This is where the process can get a little confusing.

You can audition for as many groups as you would like, but if you receive multiple callbacks during the same audition period, you can only commit to one callback. The two-week audition structure makes this a little easier to navigate because it gives you another opportunity to audition if your first round doesn’t work out.

For example, if you audition for both the Jackson Jills and the ‘Mates and receive callbacks from both, you have to choose which callback to attend—even if you ultimately don’t make that group.

Before making that decision, many groups offer consultations. These are informal opportunities to meet current members, ask questions, learn more about the group’s culture and rehearsal schedule, and receive feedback on your audition. Consultations can be especially helpful because, from the outside, it can be difficult to understand what makes one group different from another.

Think of them as a chance to figure out not just “Can I get into this group?” but “Would I actually enjoy being part of this group?”

What if I don’t get in the first week?
Don’t worry—you still have options!

There are seven other groups that hold auditions the following week, and you’re free to audition for as many of them as you’d like.

Those groups include:

sQ — Tufts’ newest all-gender group
Shir Appeal — a mixed-gender Jewish acapella group
Enchanted — focused on Disney and animated music
The Ladies of Essence — an all-femme group specializing in music of the African diaspora and its traditions
S-Factor — an all-male group dedicated to performing music of the African diaspora
Full Sound — a group focused on music by Asian artists
Low-Keys — an all-gender, no-audition group focused on creating an inclusive environment for anyone who loves acapella
And if fall auditions don’t work out, you’re not out of chances. All of the groups hold auditions again in January at the beginning of the spring semester.

So if you leave your first audition feeling disappointed, remember that the Tufts acapella community is much bigger than one audition—and there are plenty of ways to find your place in it.

Performances
Maybe you have absolutely no interest in auditioning and just want to hear some great music. Luckily, you don’t have to be in a group to be part of Tufts’ acapella scene.

The fall semester is full of performances, and some of the biggest happen during Parents Weekend. Throughout the year, you’ll also find acapella performances at campus events, concerts, fundraisers, and showcases. Keep an eye on group Instagram accounts and Tufts events calendars so you don’t miss them.

So, during your first few weeks at Tufts, say yes to the concert, stop when you hear a group singing, follow a few groups on Instagram, and don’t be afraid to audition. You might find a musical community, a group of lifelong friends, or simply a fun way to spend a Friday night.