The Carleton College Knightingales

The Knightingales are a top notch all-female group out of Carleton College. Members of the group took the time to answer questions from The A Cappella Blog.

The A Cappella Blog (ACB): Describe a typical Knightingales 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?

The Knightingales (TK): Generally we practice 3 times a week, for a total of 5 hours/week. Practice time definitely increases during the week before our main concert. (We have one major concert per term, but often perform at other campus events throughout the year). The week leading up to a 'big show' (affectionately referred to as "Hell Week") we practice every night for 1-2 hours, taking a couple rehearsals to sing in the actual concert space in order to get accustomed to the different acoustics.

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

TK: We are the oldest all-female A Capella group at Carleton. Since 1980 The Knightingales have practiced in Dacie Moses house, formerly owned by a Carleton librarian who left her house to Carleton students to be filled with cookie dough and music. Our theme song "Rugged" was written by the original Knightingales and is sung at each of our concerts.

At the final concert of each year, underclassmen in the group make "ugly corsages" for the graduating seniors in the group. They are presented to the seniors and worn during the concert.

ACB: How do The Knightingales go about recruiting new members?

TK: Prior to auditions, we sing in the stairwells of the dorms, put up fliers with pictures and audition information, and have sign up sheets for auditions at an activities fair during the first week of school.

ACB: If you were to describe The Knightingales in just three words, what words would you use?

TK: "go, love, sing"

ACB: What is your favorite song to perform with The Knightingales, and why?

TK: “Don't Stop Believing” (Journey) mash up with “Push it” (Salt and Pepper) and “Beautiful Girls” (Sean Kingston).

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

TK: If you would like our CD please contact The Knightingales at: knightingales@lists.carleton.edu

If you would like to learn more about The Knightingales, you can visit them online here.