Dress to impress?
In Measure for Measure, A Cappella Blog contributor takes a look at both sides of a controversial issue in collegiate a cappella. Please note that the views expressed by columnists do not necessarily represent those of The ACB as an organization, nor do they necessarily represent the view of individual columnists. The purpose of this piece is to explore issues and further civil, intellectual debate.
This week's topic: You never know who may be watching your a cappella group perform, or what your peers may be wearing to a show. When deciding on a ‘uniform’ for a collegiate a cappella group, it’s best to err on the side of dressing formally.
True: There are few things that can make a first impression quite so fast as the way you are dressed. Try showing up for a job interview in your t-shirt and holey jeans. You've lost the opportunity before you answer the first question. Such is the case for an a cappella group. If you don't look professional, you're giving yourself a major handicap from the get-go, because no one's going to take you seriously. Granted, what matters most in a cappella is the music, and you can win the audience back with a shining performance. But why start yourself off on a poor note?
Some groups may be concerned about looking over-dressed and stiff if they choose their outfits too formally. This is the kind of perception that won't hurt a group. You start off looking professional, and then you show the crowd that you can be a lot of fun. Taking the whole act into perspective, you'll be remembered as not only entertaining, but classy. Now that's a good look.
False: There's a time and place for formal attire. Your group may be invited to perform at an awards ceremony or formal dinner at your college. Maybe you'll advance to the highest level of a big competition. Maybe you'll sing at a wedding. These are all appropriate times to break out your best duds. However, most of the times a collegiate a cappella group performs, it's for an audience of fellow college students. Dressing too formally in these situations only feeds into negative stereotypes about a cappella and choral music in general--that it's formal, boring and prissy. On the contrary, seeing college kids make great music in their matching t-shirts, jerseys or other casual fare of the day sets exactly the tone you want at a collegiate a cappella show--fun, entertaining, and offering something for everybody.