UCLA Shir Bruin

Shir Bruin is a Jewish a cappella group out of UCLA. Director Jeff Gordon took the time to answer questions from A Cappella Blog co-founder Mike Chin.

A Cappella Blog (ACB): As a Jewish ensemble, what sets your group apart from other collegiate a cappella groups?

Jeff Gordon (JG) Our songs are primarily Jewish in nature and range from old classics to modern Hebrew hits, even a few English/Hebrew combos that include some English pop like Madonna and Bon Jovi. We also try to put a personal flavor on each concert so we create lyrics for songs that relate to that specific event.

ACB: On your website, you identify Pizmon as your inspiration. How has Pizmon influenced Shir Bruin?

JG: While we respect Pizmon as a group it was actually a former member of the group Pizmon who was influential in assisting us getting off the ground. Through the work of her (Aviva) , Mayim Bialik and a dedicated bunch, Shir Bruin has been going strong for 9 years.

ACB: What can we expect to see from Shir Bruin in the future? Any new songs in the works? Any upcoming gigs of note?

JG: We have some satire songs in the works ,a jewish version of "Eat It" from Weird Al, as well as a song about Tommy the Trojan, UCLA's hated enemy. We also have a version of "Matisyahu King Without a Crown" that is going to blow people away. We perform at everything from weddings to bar mitzvahs to old age homes to schools. We have performed in front of celebrities such as Richard Dreyfuss and John Wooden. We have also traveled from San Diego to Chicago, performing and entertaining fans.

ACB: How does Shir Bruin go about recruiting new members?

JG: We hold an American Idol style audition and the meanest member of the group helps determines who gets in. Actually, it goes more along the lines of advertising around UCLA and holding auditions at the beginning of fall quarter.

ACB: How does your group go about deciding which songs to add to its repertoire?

JG: Members of the group give input about what they want to sing we also have members who compose and arrange songs .

ACB: What would you say is the most important element to having a successful collegiate a cappella group?

JG: Not being tone deaf. But actually being able to be one as a group, and blending to create a full and whole sound.

If you would like to learn more about Shir Bruin, you can visit the group online at http://www.shirbruin.ourfamily.com.