A cappella groups at UD headed to semifinals at Kimmel Center

1:52 p.m., March 14, 2016--Two co-ed a cappella groups at the University of Delaware are headed to the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) semifinal competition to be held Saturday, March 26, at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. 

MelUDees took first place at the quarterfinals, held Feb. 6 at Stockton University, in Galloway, New Jersey, while Vocal Point turned in a second-place performance in their semifinal competition held Feb. 20 at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The Y Chromes also competed at the Baltimore event. 

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Besides placing first in the quarterfinals, special awards went to MelUDees’ soloists Trey Williams, for You’re Nobody ’Til Somebody Loves You by James Arthur, and Anna Gill for Bottom of the River by Delta Rae. 

Celebrating a decade as a member of the UD a cappella community, the first place finish marks the first time MelUDees have placed in the competitions.

“Our group is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this spring, and we are also in the process of releasing our first album,” Kevin Kelso, president of MelUDees, said. “It’s been a very exciting year for us, and we have worked very hard to get where we are now. I’m glad to have UD’s support as we take on the semifinals.”

Gill, co-music director and a senior marketing major, said it’s nice to recognize MelUDees, Vocal Point and Y Chromes for their efforts and accomplishments this spring.

“Y Chromes made it to the quarterfinals and did a really amazing job, and that is something to be proud of,” Gill said. “The University’s support for the a cappella community is essential for our groups to grow and be successful.” 

Gill is enthusiastic about her time with the MelUDees, saying the group is like a family and that they always try to do their best in performance while also taking time to relax before the next round of competitions begin. 

“Even if I am having a bad day, the minute I step into rehearsal, all of that goes away and I'm surrounded by people I love,” Gill said. “I also think that I was really lucky and came in at the perfect year. Everyone's passion for making music and being in the group really set us up for an amazing four years.”

For more information about the ICCA semifinals, visit the website.

For ticket information, visit the Kimmel Center site. 

Article by Jerry Rhodes