Emma Reiner
Staff Writer
The recently formed and first competitive a cappella group at The College of Wooster “Scots in Harmony” went to the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) Varsity Vocals quarterfinals at Case Western Reserve University on Saturday, Jan. 25. They sang three songs, including “Hello Friend” by Chloe x Halle, “Have Mercy” by Eryn Allen Kane and “Marrow” by Vincent. While they did not advance in the competition, they excelled for their first year as a group.
Scots in Harmony was founded last year by Doug Morris ’22 and Rondell MacKey ’22; Morris currently serves as vice president of the group, with MacKey as president. Mackey did competitive a cappella in high school, which inspired him to continue competing in college. He said, “I knew what the atmosphere was like and I was craving it again.” He also wanted to “take Wooster’s a cappella off-campus … to let go and sing all around,” highlighting a key difference between Scots in Harmony and the existing a cappella groups on campus.
When discussing the preparation for this competition, Morris said that “between the hours of vocal and choreography rehearsals, constantly changing [their] set and arrangement, and multiple campus performances, it was easy to become exhausted and frustrated.” Member Alex Phillips ’23 shared this sentiment, saying that “it was stressful at times.” However, Morris noted, “once we stepped foot on stage and saw the amount of support we [had] from Wooster… all the exhaustion and frustration seemed insignificant.”
All three singers commented on how much they enjoyed the competition. Morris stated that participating in the competition season “has been an incredible experience.” Phillips described the competition as “fun, scary and exhilarating all at once.” MacKey reflected,“I love to perform and showcase my talents on a stage to many.”
Even though MacKey had done competitive a cappella before, the competition was still new to the group as a whole, creating an exciting experience. Morris described this feeling, stating, “we had no clue what to expect once we arrived to the competition.” Fortunately, not knowing did not get in the way of how the group performed. Phillips commented, saying that “for our group to make it to the quarter finals within the first year of being together is really amazing.” Even though the group did not advance within the competition, all three members are happy about how they did. According to MacKey, “The group did amazing! Although we didn’t place I am so happy for them, for leaving their hearts out on the floor.” Morris echoes his sentiment, stating that “we were all extremely happy with our performance.”
Even though this is only their first year competing, the group has already learned a lot and they are gearing up for next year. Morris said, “Now that we have a better grasp of how the process works and what the judges are looking for, we will be ready to return next year, and, hopefully, advance even further.” MacKey added, “I don’t think ICCA expected our sound and that’s why it’s a must to go back next year.” Phillips summed up their group’s future perfectly, stating, “we’re not done yet, and definitely ready to go after it again next year.”