Clemson University’s a cappella organizations, TakeNote and Tigeroar, entertained their audience with a whirlwind of pop music hits at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 13.
The two groups brought songs to life using no instruments other than their own voices, which David Conley, who directs both choral ensembles, detailed in his introduction to the show. Conley noted that even though the concert was located in a formal hall, onlookers should feel free to clap and sing along, noting that the performers enjoy audience engagement.
One student representative from each a cappella group came out to express their appreciation for the spectators’ attendance. They explained that the student singers rehearsed for hours in and out of the classroom and that every song was arranged by either a current or former Clemson a cappella participant, if not by Conley.
Each of the two associations took turns performing separately to explore a variety of song styles and beats, extending their vocal capabilities across a wide musical range.
The all-girl group, TakeNote, entered the stage first, wearing various shades of purple to highlight each singer’s individuality while exhibiting Clemson pride.
The group opened with a vibrant rendition of “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, setting up with one lead vocalist and one vocal percussionist on either side of the chorus.
The stage smoke grew thicker and the lights faded into a deep green as a different lead vocalist and vocal percussionist stepped in for the next song, Billie Eilish’s “WILDFLOWER.”
The girls exited to rapturous applause as the all-male group, Tigeroar, took the stage in coordinated black outfits, opening with a resounding performance of “Standards” by Leslie Odom Jr.
Tigeroar kept the same structure of singers by positioning the lead vocalist and the vocal percussionist at the front of the ensemble, with each standing on opposite sides of the chorus. The bass singer remained in the choir, but was also given his own microphone to enhance the low notes.
The lights patterned into an alternating purple and blue and the musicians transitioned into “I Think They Call This Love” by Elliot James Reay before leaving in preparation for TakeNote’s return.
With an outfit change into all-black paired with tastefully sparkly accents, TakeNote performed a version of “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore that enticed an interaction from the assembly of onlookers, who clapped along to the song’s persistent rhythm.
The lead vocalist and percussionist changed when the voices switched into an emotional rendition of “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac.
The a cappella groups swapped places again and Tigeroar walked out wearing new all-matching purple outfits, singing “As It Was” by Harry Styles.
The next tune, “Leave Before You Love Me” by Marshmello and the Jonas Brothers, featured a duet of two lead vocalists to showcase the higher and lower tones of the main vocals within the song.
Tigeroar left once more and TakeNote appeared in their classic purple blazers as purple lights filled the space from overhead. The girls performed their last two heartfelt songs, holding hands throughout the semi-finale.
Tigeroar sequentially stepped out in their famous orange blazers to sing their closing pieces. The musical artists invited any alumni in the crowd to accompany them on stage for the “Tiger Rag,” a Clemson gameday tradition, ending with a kick line and an entreaty that the audience participate.
TakeNote joined the stage for a combined performance with Tigeroar to end the show, singing “Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande, with one lead vocalist from each chorus ensemble singing the main roles.
Every member from both groups took their final bows at the front of the stage, hand in hand, while the viewers showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.
