University of Wisconsin Madison Under A-Rest
In honor of the 2017 ICCA tournament, The A Cappella Blog pursued short interviews with competing groups to develop insights into why and how groups approach competition, and to get appropriately excited for the tremendous shows ahead of us.
What’s your group name and on what date is your group’s quarterfinal?
Under A-Rest, February 4th in Madison.
How long has your group been around? Have you competed before?
Under A-Rest was formed two years ago as an all-male a cappella group. We then transitioned into a co-ed group (as we are now) a year and a half ago. This is our first time competing at ICCAs!
Why are you competing this year? What does your group hope to accomplish or get out of the experience?
It has been a goal right from the beginning for Under A-Rest to compete at ICCAs as we wanted to give the members of our group a platform to showcase their talents. Since it is our first year competing, it would be easy for us to go "for the experience", but we are going to show everyone that we are not just "the new group on campus", we are a competitive a cappella group. Our goal is to leave ICCAs proud of ourselves and move the audience, making them believe in our sound.
How is your group preparing for competition?
We have been preparing for ICCAs through practice, practice, practice. Under A-Rest is really one big family, so we are all together practicing all the time because we genuinely enjoy each others company. We arrange all of our ICCA set in house and work with a choreographer to prepare in the best way we think we can.
If you were to describe your group, or the set your group is planning for competition with just three words, what would they be?
Believe in Yourself. Although the set tells a love story, the ICCA journey for Under A-Rest would not be happening if we didn't believe in ourselves. We are still an incredibly young group and since ICCA's is such a premier showcase of talent, we have to believe that we are capable to compete with the best of the best.
You can follow Under A-Rest on Facebook.