A Cappella Group Keys Up For Competition

Vocal Point from the University of Delaware is heading to the national semifinals in March.

With any luck, Vocal Point, the juggernaut a cappella group from the University of Delaware, is on its way to another international competition, having placed third in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella for 2014 last April. But first, the 15 members must clear a national semifinal at Drexel University on March 28 and a final at Broadway’s Beacon Theatre next month. “We’ve put so much effort in, and we’ve finally seen the results we’ve wanted,” says Matt Pisciotta, Vocal Point’s president. “It’s a validation of all our work and dedication.” The ICCA competition is like March Madness for vocalists. Organizers review audition videos from hundreds of college groups, choosing 300 for smaller regional quarterfinal and semifinal contests. Winners advance to the national, then international championships in the spring. Groups are judged on musical and vocal quality, as well as elements of presentation such as choreography. Judges last year praised Vocal Point’s emotion and presence, with one describing their energy as “fire.” Then-music director Jon Smith won the award for outstanding arrangement, and member Colin Daingerfield won best soloist. Pisciotta, a senior marketing and management major from Long Island, N.Y., and a lifelong singer, reports that the group has been rehearsing three hours a day, three days a week, since fall. Though Vocal Point lost several seniors last year, he expects big results from the current competition season. “I’m very excited,” he says. “Winning last year was one of, if not, the best experiences of my whole life.” Vocal Point’s CD “Momentum,” featuring the same contemporary pop covers the group performs live, is available through www.vocalpointud.com and iTunes. “We just wanted to say, ‘This is us,’” Pisciotta says. “‘This is what we do.’”

See some great Vocal Point performances below!

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