A new study released by Yale University last week found that, despite growing numbers of college student participation, a cappella is still “uncool.”
“What’s really disturbing are the statistics on the number of students unaware of the dangers involved,” said Margot McCreless, director of music studies at Yale. “Participation in these types of groups is rising nationwide…it’s a disturbing trend.”
U.S. statistics released by the research team show that while college campus participation in a cappella groups has risen by an average of three percent per year from 2000-2005, only 22 percent of college students are aware that a cappella is actually “for losers.” Forty-three percent of students surveyed even ranked a cappella participation as “socially acceptable.”
“There were so many groups on campus, it just seemed like it had to be cool,” said Lisa Sussman ’09. “If I had known the facts…I never would have gotten involved.”
While a specific Wesleyan survey has not been conducted, there are currently 13, possibly more, a cappella groups on campus. The WSA even has an “a cappella” category for new student groups. Many of the groups such as “Waiting in Line” were formed within the last few years. Foreign influence has even played a role, with the group “Slave,” which focuses on Slavic music, starting just this year.
“I remember when I was a freshman, it wasn’t like this at all,” said graduate Sam Duncan ’05. “There were only a few groups around, and pretty much everyone knew it was a really unpopular thing to do…I mean, Slavic music?”
The question as to why students feel the need to participate in this trend is still being researched. The study cited peer pressure and stress as possible factors.
“That freshman a cappella concert just went on for so long,” said Joanna Arnow ’08. “By the time it was over, I was so dazed I think I accidentally signed myself up to try out for three or four different groups.”
Some more veteran a cappella members, however, still seem to be fully aware of their status. Members of the “New Group,” for instance, indulge in their blatant uncoolness.
“I think it was pretty clear from the beginning that a cappella was lame,” said New Group member Allison J. Dickson ’08. “I knew what I was getting into.”
The Davison Health Center has started up an awareness campaign, with workshops scheduled to begin next month. They are also asking current a cappella members for assistance, requesting groups attach disclaimers and warnings to any posters or fliers they decide to spread around campus. So far participation has been completely voluntary; the administration refused to comment as to whether or not any official measures were being considered.
“Our biggest goal is to make sure people are aware of the dangers of a cappella before they decide to watch it or, God forbid, participate in it,” said Health Center staff member Joyce Smith. “We can’t tell students what to do, we can only make them aware of the consequences of their actions. Did you know you can even get diarrhea from a cappella?”