'The most fun I’ve ever had’: Singing group takes new approach

Dynamics Acapella is a music group innovating the a cappella sound space with a unique approach that taps into other genres, maximizing creativity.

Only two years after its founding, the group has a membership of 18 students and competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCAs) with other groups from across the country.

Grayson Alonso, a sophomore STEM major who is the group’s current president, answered a few questions about the group.

Q & A with Grayson Alonso

Q: What makes Dynamics Acapella unique?

A: Our focus is to do a cappella but not focus on pop music, which is usually the norm when it comes to a cappella music. But our goal and what makes us unique is our focus on other genres and capturing those alternative sounds in prime-time a cappella fashion.

Q: Looking at the evolution of music, what makes a cappella as an art form unique?

A: The beautiful thing about a cappella is that it’s fun because everyone comes together as a collective, playing different roles but following the same tune.

Q: What goes into managing the group?

A: The group, much like most organizations, has its audition process for members who want to join and to see if they are the right fit for the group. That was a challenge in the beginning. In our second year, however, we decided to do things differently.

It’s already daunting for people when they hear they have to audition to be a part of the group. We wanted to create a healthy, social environment for anyone interested in joining. So, instead of just having auditions straightaway, we had other sessions where people could socialize, get to know each other, and help sessions before we conducted the auditions.

Q: So the group has a social component?

A: It does. We have rehearsal sessions twice a week, and it requires a lot. Having social activities where we don’t rehearse but hang out, talk, and play video games allows us to bond as a group.

Q: Do you have to know how to sing to be a part of Dynamics Acapella?

A: You don’t have to know how to sing, contrary to what people would assume. We learn a lot, and even though the first few members did know how to sing, many members have grown since they joined. We're ready to figure it out whether you know how to sing or not.

Q: What is the approach to creating an acapella rendition of a song or an original?

A: For us, having a writer has been astronomical. Our current vice president, Lilly Franks, who is as talented as they come, writes much of our music. The arrangement is up to the group’s interpretation with creative liberty, allowing everyone to feel involved. Because we’re tapping into the alternative sound and alternative music is vast, we welcome people’s music tastes and influences.

One of the other things we do as a group is listen to the songs and vote on them... We work with music in the world as opposed to doing originals.

Q: What projects has the organization worked on so far?

A: Our most recent adventure was the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA), where we performed with 11 other a cappella groups. We’ve had a few performances at the Athena Cinema. We’re currently working toward Invitationals, which see all the a cappella groups perform at the end of the year to show what they’ve done throughout the year.

Q: What do you consider the most crucial trait for an a cappella singer?

A: You have to be a quick learner. There are so many moving parts in a cappella, so the ability to adapt is an advantage. The group gives people space and time to figure their parts out and fine-tune them so there’s always grace for anyone at all.

Q: Memorable moments in the organization?

A: We do a retreat annually where we get together at a cabin in Hocking Hills. It’s a time for us to learn music and also a time to bond and hang out. With all of us hanging out, it was the most fun I’ve ever had. Another one would be staying at our vice president’s house after we performed at a few places around Cleveland. Q: Last words for our readers!

A: Everyone is welcome. Don’t be scared or nervous to try out! It is truly a lot of fun, and if you are into alternative music, we’re here for you. We show up at the involvement fair so people can find us there, and you can check us out on Instagram!