Elon University Rip Chord

Rip_Chord is a top notch all-male a cappella group out of Elon University in North Carolina. Rip Chord president Joshua B. Tate took the time to answer questions from The A Cappella Blog.

The A Cappella Blog (ACB): Describe a typical Rip_Chord rehearsal. How often do you guys practice and what do you do to achieve such success by the time you hit the stage? Do rehearsals change before a big show? Before you guys go into competition?

Joshua B. Tate (JBT): Typically Rip_Chord rehearses 3 times a week for 2 hours at a time. It's a pretty demanding practice schedule for a student organization, and usually we try to prepare the most number of quality songs possible before we hit the stage. We have performances of all shapes and sizes, whether it be just a few songs to entertain a crowd before dinner, opening for a band, or even being the main attraction in front of thousands. Usually our rehearsals increase in time and quantity before big shows just to make sure things are all set, but at this point in time in Rip_Chord's career, we have yet to compete in any formal competitions.

ACB: Are there any unique traditions or pieces of history attached to your group?

JBT: Each year Rip_Chord keeps a parts of "history alive" in the group. For instance, we have a specific warm-up that we do before every performance and practice entitled "Homeboy" in honor of one of our first Music Directors of the group who wrote it. It's rather become embedded in our routine now as some sort of tribute to where we've come from. Additionally, every Spring we sing a song by Snow Patrol called "Chasing Cars." This song is one of the first few songs that was ever learned by Rip_Chord and is sung at every Spring concert with any alumni that attend. It's something that binds all Rip_Chord members together in a way.

ACB: As an all-male group, what advantages do you enjoy? What challenges does the nature of the group present?

JBT: Well, I think the biggest advantage I can think of is the fact that since we're an all-guys group, it's a pretty straight-forward and blunt environment. We're pretty cut and dry in the group. No huge drama, no beating around the bush, we're guys that just have a lot of fun together, and also share the commonality of enjoying music. The only challenges we face is typically from time to time staying focused, because as you can imagine, with 15-17 guys, theres lots of ADHD going around. But we make the best of that. It's a blessing and a curse all at the same time.

ACB: How does your group go about deciding which songs to add to its repertoire? Who is responsible for arrangements?

JBT: Our group does a mix of things when deciding on songs to do. We attempt to do a lot of songs that people know. Our audiences like to be entertained and sing along, so we try to pick songs that people know and love. It also boils down to whether or not a song is arranged already, or just in the works. Many of our members arrange for our group from new members to old, we try to spread it out as much as possible and distribute the responsibility though.

ACB: What drew you, personally, to collegiate a cappella in the first place?

JBT: Well, surprisingly enough I, alongside of a handful of guys were actually the charter members of Rip_Chord. One of the appeals was the opportunity to be a part of the first and only all-male a cappella group on Elon's Campus and basically see the evolution of it from the start. Fast-forwarding 4 years later to being the president, it definitely was that first group of guys that I met that truly attracted me to the option of a cappella though.

ACB: Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of The A Cappella Blog?

JBT: Rip_Chord always tries to make music fun. From break dancing, to hip-hop tracks, to doing huge medleys of songs, we just try to provide the best entertainment possible for our audiences and thus far we've seemed to accomplish that. It's not only a very exciting group to be a part of, but also a wonderful organization to have joined. I'd recommend a cappella to anyone coming into college with any musical ability, because music is something that is a gift that you will always have. Your college career could end after a number of years, your sports career could be over after a few as well, but being able to share music with people is a remarkable thing that never gets old. Trust me, Rip_Chord has a blast doing just that.

If you would like to learn more about Rip_Chord, you can visit the group online here.