The annual VoiceJam A Cappella Competition on April 5 brings the best a cappella groups from across the country to compete at Walton Arts Center. We asked each of the six competing groups a few questions to learn more about them. Get to know three of these competitors: VOICES, Green Tones and Volt!
Keep an eye out for part two with responses from the remaining three competitors.
Tickets to The Edge Effect concert and the VoiceJam Competition are on sale now. Want to see both shows? Then purchase a combo ticket for just $29. Tickets are available online at waltonartscenter.org, by visiting the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am–2 pm or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm.
VOICES – University of Arkansas
What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?
We love singing jazz and a cappella music! This semester we are working on many things including a few classic arrangements for “Smile,” “The Days of Wine and Roses,” “This Will Be” and “That’s All,” plus a few original works like “Sleep” by Eric Whitacre, “Never Let Go” by Rob Dietz and “So Much 2 Say” by Take 6.
Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?
We do both! Most of the music is learned with notated scores, however, we mix improvision within many of those scores and have opened many of our performances with an improvisational piece.
How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?
We took inspiration from the famed New York Voices.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
We love to circle up and do a little improv before a show!
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?
Our top five artists are Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Fleetwood Mac and Emily King.
What does your group like to do in their free time?
We like to hike and bowl!
Green Tones – University of North Texas
What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?
We enjoy singing contemporary pop music, but we also try not to let a song’s specific genre limit our choices. When we hear a song, we just know!
Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?
We get our grounds on sheet music and then we make it our own to fit our sound.
How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?
Green Tones started at University of North Texas, and recently had a 15-year celebration!
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
Before we hit the stage, we all get in a circle and try to make each other laugh to shake off any pre-show nerves.
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?
Currently I’m listening to Magdalena Bay which has been a popular one in our group! Other than that, some of my personal favorites have been Kate Bush, SOPHIE and the Hereditary soundtrack.
What does your group like to do in your free time?
Our group loves to sing karaoke, do fun photoshoots and thrift together! Doing anything and everything together is super fun.
VoLT – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?
Volt specializes in alternative-pop, bringing a fresh twist to songs that aren’t quite mainstream but still feel familiar and catchy. Our past sets have featured artists like Aurora, BANKS and Lizzy McAlpine, capturing an ethereal, moody vibe that creates our unique sound.
Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?
We work with precisely notated music. Our songs are arranged by both professionals and by our members. We follow the notated music exactly in our performances!
How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?
Our group name was created 10 years ago by our founder! “Volt” was chosen as a tribute to Tennessee’s mascot, the volunteers, which we call the “vols” for short. It also captures the energy and electricity we bring to our music. Like a bolt of lightning, Volt symbolizes power, connection and the electric chemistry that fuels our performances and friendships.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
Our pre-performance warm-ups include our regular rehearsal warmups (including our group’s warm-up “Sweetly the Swan Sings”), a shakedown counting down from eight to one and our secret Volt handshake!
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?
We listen to a wide variety of music, but if we had to pick our favorites at the moment they would be “Anxiety” by Doechii, anything Hozier or Chappell Roan, “Tattoo” by Loren and the entire Wicked Soundtrack!
What does your group like to do in your free time?
Our favorite moments as a group come from the special memories we make outside of rehearsal. Whether it's group dinners at Chipotle, board game nights or weekend hangouts, we love spending time together. We look forward to our annual retreats and holiday traditions, from Halloween rehearsal costume contests to our very own friendsgiving we call “Voltsgiving.” Our bond truly goes beyond just music—it's what makes our group feel like family.
VoiceJam Festival Schedule
VoiceJam Kickoff Concert – The Edge Effect
Friday, April 4 | 7:30 pm
All tickets are $10
VoiceJam Workshops
Saturday, April 5 | 9 am – 5 pm
VoiceJam Competition
Saturday, April 5 | 7:30 pm
Tickets are $27