CSUN Acasola
Acasola is a relatively new group on the collegiate scene. Nonetheless, the mixed group out of California State University, Northridge, has already made quite a name for itself. Members of the group took the time to answer questions from The A Cappella Blog.
A Cappella Blog (ACB): Acasola is a very young group (only founded in 2006) but has already enjoyed its fair share of success, including finishing as the first runners up in an exceptionally competitive west coast ICCA semifinal last year (and only topped by the tournament’s eventual champions). To what can you attribute the group’s success in competition? What was the experience like, performing at that level, alongside so many other top tier groups?
Acasola: A. Clear goals, a lot of motivation within the members of Acasola. We work really well together. Acasola knows its future goals. We have a 25 year plan that we use to set long term goals that will help us along the way.
B. It was intimidating at first, but the moment we step on that stage, we knew, we belonged there.
ACB: What can listeners expect from Acasola’s first CD, Always Acasola?
Acasola: A. They can expect to hear a good variety of songs. Many from different concerts, such as No Snow Show, a concert where the proceeds go to a selected charity. Also a good variety of songs that were studio produced. Parts of the C show the earlier years of Acasola, while others show more polished recent years. When someone buys an actual copy of the C, they will receive a brief history of Acasola inside the cover.
ACB: Your website shares sheet music for a number of songs—a unique offering from a collegiate a cappella group. What’s the thought behind sharing the sheet music? Who is responsible for your arrangements, and how do you go about deciding what songs to take on?
Acasola: A. The intention of the sheet music on our website was to have the sheet music available for the members of Acasola. We planned to create a better website that includes log-in for members only in the future.
B. Acasola is committed to creating a culture of arranging. As of now, a lot of our arrangements come from members of Acasola.
C. The arrangements go through the musical director first, then are decided on by the group.
ACB: Acasola was featured on HGTV’s House Hunters. What was this experience like? And how is the house working out?
Acasola: A. The experience was very rewarding. After the show aired, we had a lot of people come up to us and say, “Hey you’re the a cappella group from House Hunters!” We got a lot of publicity out of it, and had a lot of fun filming it.
B. The house is very helpful for the use of rehearsal, concerts, and just hanging out. It gives us a place to rely on, because we know we are always welcome there, and won’t get kicked out.
ACB>: Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of The A Cappella Blog!
Acasola: Acasola is excited for this year and the many things we plan to do. These things include a NorCal tour, a spring concert, and a possible second CD. The NorCal tour is a new experience for us, and we would love to meet up with other a cappella groups in Northern California that would like to share the experience with us. Acasola continues to grow as an asset to the community and will continue to achieve goals to its full potential as a group.
If you would like to learn more about Acasola, you can visit the group online here.