Rhythm & Roos sing way into next round of national competition

Members of Rhythm & Roos celebrate their Feb. 20 win. Next stop? The semifinals in Buffalo, N.Y. on April 2.

Two of The University of Akron’s very own vocal groups showcased their talents in the Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella quarterfinals on Feb. 20 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Rhythm & Roos and Nuance were among the nine vocal groups performing in the competition.

“It was our first time ever competing in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, so we had no idea what to expect,” says Riley McMahon, president of Rhythm & Roos, which took second place overall. The group’s finish qualified it to compete in the semifinal round in Buffalo, N.Y., on April 2.

In addition, tenor David Long won “Outstanding Soloist” for the group’s rendition of “Fix You” by the band Coldplay.

“I can't even explain my excitement from quarterfinals; every time I think about our performance I can't help but smile,” adds McMahon. “We also send huge congratulations to Nuance for winning an award for "Outstanding Arrangement" by their director, Michael McGroarty. They had a great performance Saturday as well, and it was a pleasure sharing the stage with them.“

Visit online to learn more about Rhythm & Roos, Nuance and the Varsity Vocals competitions.

 Story by Lauren Collins