A cappella is HUGE at Yale! With 16 groups and hundreds of singers, there’s a really vibrant community of people who love to sing and perform together. You’ll see groups performing all over campus throughout the year, and many groups also travel around the country and the world! Beyond the singing, a cappella is also a really fun way to meet people and find a close-knit community on campus.

Not at all! You absolutely do not need prior singing or a cappella experience to Rush. People come into Rush with all kinds of musical backgrounds—some have been singing for years, while others have never sung in a group before. If you love to sing (or are even just curious!), we really encourage you to give it a try. You might surprise yourself!

It really depends on the group! Each group has its own rehearsal, performance, and social schedule, so the time commitment can vary. That said, a cappella members across all groups are still involved in tons of other extracurriculars (and, of course, classes!). You definitely don’t have to be a music major either—most members aren’t! A cappella can be a meaningful part of your Yale experience without being your entire Yale experience.

The best way to prepare is to give yourself time and take care of yourself! Set aside some time to practice your audition and callback songs—you can use your residential college practice rooms, sing in your dorm, or practice with friends. Make sure you’re warming up properly, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep (seriously!).

Rush can also get pretty busy, especially once callbacks start. You’re welcome to rush as many groups as you want, but be mindful of spreading yourself too thin. Try to stay ahead on homework and classes, keep track of your schedule, and leave yourself enough time to actually enjoy the process!

There’s no one right way to choose! As you meet groups throughout Rush, think about things like vocal range, music style, social vibe, and time commitment. Different groups may be looking for different voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass, etc.), and groups also have their own musical styles—from pop and R&B to jazz, rock, folk, and everything in between. Some groups sing a little bit of everything! Most importantly, pay attention to where your voice feels comfortable and who you’re excited to keep coming back to. Rush gives you plenty of chances to get to know each group, so explore, keep an open mind, and see which ones feel like the best fit for you!

Each group will give you an audition packet with everything you need to know about their specific audition, so make sure to read it carefully! Generally, you can expect some warm-ups and scales, a short excerpt of your chosen voice part from one of the group’s arrangements, and a snippet of any song of your choice (sung a cappella, of course!).

Before your audition, practice what you’ve been given, warm up properly, and make sure you’re eating, sleeping, and staying hydrated. Try to show up a little early for your audition slot, and if you’re running late, keep the group updated as best you can. Most importantly, have fun with it and show them what you’ve got. Good luck!!

You’ll spend a lot of time with your a cappella group, so it’s important that you genuinely enjoy being around each other! Rush Meals and Walks give groups a chance to get to know you outside of singing—but, even more importantly, they give you a chance to get to know them. Ask questions, meet different members, and get a sense of what it would actually be like to be part of the group.

And don’t stress about them—they’re not interviews! There’s nothing you need to prepare. Just come as you are, have a conversation, and see how you vibe with the group :)

Groups can begin sending pre-taps at 8:00am on Monday, 9/21, and offers can continue all the way through Tap Night on Wednesday. If you receive a pre-tap, you can accept it, decline it, or take some time to think—you do not have to answer immediately.

If you’re unsure, you can also go on additional meals or walks with groups to ask more specific questions and get a better sense of your options. Take the time you need and consider everything carefully!

And if you don’t hear from a group right away, don’t panic! Plenty of people don’t receive pre-taps until Tuesday or Wednesday. Unless a group has explicitly told you that you’re no longer being considered, you’re very much still in the running.

We’ve got you! Reach out to the SGC anytime at sgc@yale.edu, or fill out the form on our Resources page with any questions. We’ve all been in your shoes before and know that Rush can feel a little overwhelming, so please don’t hesitate to ask us anything—we’re here to help!

You can also come to our Rushee Info Session on Wednesday, September 2nd at 7:30pm (location TBA!) to learn more about the process and ask us questions in person. We hope to see you there, and we can’t wait to meet you!