Who Are the Vocal Chords?

group


Where We Started and Where We're Heading
Founding Fathers
     The JHU Vocal Chords was formed in September of 1995 by graduate and undergraduate students from several departments on campus. Initially, the group had a membership of seven people interested in barbershop singing and learning school spirit songs written in the 1800's by glee club alumni.

     After a few months of practice, the Vocal Chords were beginning to come together as a unit, and by December of 1995, they were ready to face the public for the first time. Equipped with a repertoire of holiday tunes, the group caroled around Homewood Campus.
suspenders!
From this unique venture, the Vocal Chords gained some well deserved recognition, and it was not long before the group was invited to perform its first concert for the benefactors of Union Memorial Hospital. The concert performance was a resounding success, and it led to a number of other "gigs" including singing for the HopCops and Food Service folks at Wolman, McCoy, Terrace, and Shriver Hall, as well as the start of a tradition of singing at the Dean's Holiday party at the Medical School.

     After a brief taste of barbershop music, the group started singing classic and contemporary pop songs. However, it was in their barbershop roots that the men of the group found their uniforms which include a pair of "cranberry" red suspenders. They quickly became known as "Your Friendly, Neighborhood A Cappella Group", and the name stuck. The origins of the Vocal Chords go a little something like that, and it is certainly a testament to the ideals of the group founders that all of these qualities, which were forged nearly a decade ago, are still very alive in the group today (even the suspenders).

     Now the Vocal Chords has grown into one of the finest co-ed a cappella groups on campus, singing a wide variety of genres including pop, indie, classic rock, country, and even electronic! Many things have changed over the years and a lot of great things have happened in the rich history of the Vocal Chords. The group has performed dozens of times on the Homewood campus with scores of other groups from Johns Hopkins and a long list of other institutions. The group has also traveled around the country to sing with groups from an equally impressive list of schools. In addition, the Vocal Chords make regular appearances to sing on Baltimore/Washington area radio stations. In the year of 2010, the Vocal Chords competed in the International Competition of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCAs) for the first time and earned 3rd place out of ten groups in a South region quarterfinal, which confirmed how much they have grown ever since the group was formed. Now their focus is not only to just enjoy themselves, but also to prove their audiences as well as themselves how powerful a simple a cappella group can be when each member's individuality and diversity are celebrated through the music.
now
Why Vocal Chords?
1. Opportunities
     Every year, the Vocal Chords get performance requests from multiple places, whether they are small gigs, competitions, or even openings of other performer's concerts. Some of the most memorable gigs include singing the National Anthem at the Orioles vs. Yankees game and performing with Imogen Heap at her DC concert.
     Our group has also recorded five albums, three of which were released publicly. We have also finished recording our latest album, "Suspended," which is scheduled to be released in Fall 2011.
2. Diversity
     Diversity defines our group. The Vocal Chords are comprised of scholars of multiple academic disciplines, including BME, Public Health, Archaeology, Computer Engineering and even undecided majors. But our differences only strengthen our unity.
     We pride ourselves on musicality – our dynamics, our intonation and our willingness to experiment with any genre. Our arrangements are crafted with care, not only supporting the soloist, but also preserving and enriching the authenticity of the original work.

3. Family
     Most of all, the Vocal Chords are more than a group of talented singers – we're a family. The intimacy required to take our musicianship to the next level inevitably forms bonds that transcend those of other groups. That we spend so much time together only enhances our ability to sing well with each other and enjoy what we do. Beyond the seven hours per week that we rehearse, more often than not we find that we spend even more time in each other's company outside of practices.
Audition for Us!
     Everyday, the Vocal Chords are redefining the meaning of inspiration. Always willing to try a new genre, venue or a cappella syllable, the Vocal Chords are one of the most open-minded performance groups at Johns Hopkins. Every semester we add a new level of richness and originality to our group and its repertoire. We do this not only by pushing ourselves beyond our creative limits but also by finding others from a variety of backgrounds who are willing to do the same. Ultimately our unique group memebers and their talents are the source of our inspiration.
     Having recently celebrated our 15th anniversary, we are currently looking for talented and passionate new members who will carry on this amazing legacy.