On the surface, a cappella might seem like one of the simplest forms of music—there are no instruments required, and it’s an art frequently practiced by non-professional groups. But then there’s tuning, song selection, vocal percussion, choreography, transitions, choices in attire--when did a cappella get so convoluted? In Simply A Cappella, we discuss ways of stripping down complications and getting back to the core of a cappella. This is not advice for winning competitions or perfecting recordings; it’s advice for reminding yourself why you love to sing in the first place.

How much time does your group spend synching up its step-touches or sharpening that box step? Have you found yourself practically electric-sliding your way through a song, all the while focusing more on your movement than the sound you’re producing?

Choreography has its place. It can help you engage with your audience—particularly laymen who prefer entertainment over musical nuance. But no one enjoys watching a group struggle to remember its moves and emit a less compelling sound for the effort. What’s far more entertaining—and far more fun for your group--is to just dance.

You know, dance. Feel the rhythm. Move your feet, maybe swing your arms. Practice less, and let instinct take over more. When you have more fun, you’re audience will have more fun. You won’t miss the stress of remembering your memorizing ansynching up a bunch of choreo, but you will enjoy yourself when you’re living in the moment, making music, and having fun dancing with your friends.

(Check just after the 3:00 mark.)