Michael Woodworth
Equinox Staff
In-sync music filled the air as Keene State College’s a cappella group Chock Full O’Notes (CFON) held its biannual auditions on Wednesday.
Room 210 of Rhodes Hall was filled to the brim with CFON members and hopefuls while song scales and warm ups could be heard throughout the second floor.
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The auditions started out with introductions of the performance group and were quickly followed by a short two-song performance ending with “Ain’t Too Proud” by The Temptations.
The singers then learned the part of that song that they would normally sing based on their voice: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
They then learned their part and worked from there.
The auditions were individual where each person sings their part with three other members of the performing team.
“We are a big group, we look for the blend,” sophomore Zach St. Pierre said.
The group is looking for new singers and beat-boxers.
CFON is always searching for more beat-boxers though, according to current and only beat-boxer St. Pierre.
He confessed that he would love more help on stage with the beats.
He also sings a little but mainly creates the beats. “Singing and beat-boxing are two things I love to do,” the sophomore mentioned.
St. Pierre joined CFON last semester and intends on staying there for as long as he can.
Before the auditions started, the students trying out lined the hallway anxiously and nervously, waiting for their shot at the performance group.
Whether they were standing there nervously bobbing their heads to the beat in their head or belting out the songs as loud as they can, the CFON hopefuls were truly excited.
“I love singing!” sophomore Ben Smith said.
Smith has been singing his whole life and has always had a liking for contemporary singing.
To get through usual pre-audition jitters, Smith takes a deep breath to get the nerves. He also mentioned, “I always try to sing with a smile.”
Katelyn O’Clair, a last semester senior, mentioned, “I’ve got nothing to lose, why not go for it!” O’Clair has always been interested in CFON.
She confessed to singing for an hour and a half in her kitchen before running over for the auditions.
Junior Alison Rollins used to sing a lot in high school and became interested in CFON after she saw them perform.
She admitted to a pre-singing ritual, saying, “I hyperventilate to get all the nerves out.”
Junior and President of the club Lauren Heiser said she understands the nerves that the hopefuls are experiencing “The audition process is terrifying but we’ve all been through it.”
Heiser doesn’t perform with the group but still loves to be a part of CFON.
To be picked to join the performance team, it’s a majority decision by the performance team.
With the auditions over, the nerve-stricken students can now take a deep breath and wait for the results, which will be sent out by email.
Michael Woodworth can be contacted at mwoodworth@ksc.mailcruiser.com