Rush Mixed Company!
For Audition Information, click the Audition Information tab in the upper-right.
In Yale a cappella, "rush" refers to the series of auditions, callbacks, concerts, and rush meals that make up the a cappella recruitment process. Rush can be intense, but it's also a great opportunity for beginners and veterans alike to get to know upperclassmen and learn about life at Yale.
Rush begins at the Woolsey Jam, where each group performs two songs that demonstrate their musical ability and style. The Dwight Hall Jam, about a week later, is your chance to sign up to audition for the groups of your choice.
Auditions begin the day after Dwight, but don't worry -- they're a fun, low-key affair that helps us get to know you as a singer.
Rush Meals are our chance to get to know you as a person (and vice versa). At some point between callbacks and auditions, you'll meet with us to grab a meal and chat; feel free to ask us anything you want to know!
Singing Dessert is Mixed Company's rush concert, where we'll sing a full-length set for you over food, drink, and entertainment. Watch out for special instructions in your invitation!
Last but not least is Tap Night, a spectacle steeped in tradition. The date of the event is a secret, but you'll be forewarned by the large a cappella dinners in various dining halls.
Rush Meals
Click here to e-mail the rush managers with scheduling questions!
Rush Managers
Your rush managers: Gabi, Dan, Yael, and Liz!
The Rush Managers are your guides through this crazy process. They'll meet you at auditions, sign you in, and call you to set up rush meals. More than that, though, they're here to help you out. Feel free to e-mail them at any point with questions about rush, Mixed Company, Yale, or life in general.
To contact the rush managers, e-mail them here, or take a look at their profiles on the Members page.
Rush Rules
A cappella rush at Yale is regulated by an organization called the Singing Group Council. The rush rules are available at the SGC Website.
Auditions
The audition is your first real step in the rush process; it's your chance to show us what you can do! We'll start off with some warm-ups to test your range and hear your tone. Then, you'll perform a prepared solo of your choice. It can be from whatever genre you like, as long as you feel comfortable with it.
Mixed Company's auditions also include a blending exercise featuring "How the Scenery Changes," an original composition by a Mixed Co alum. You'll learn one of the parts of the song and sing it with a quartet from the group.
Callbacks
Callbacks are very similar to auditions. In your callback, you'll do some warm-ups, some musical exercises, and sing a second solo of your choice. Try to choose a solo that contrasts with your first solo in some way. In addition, you'll sing a song from Mixed Company's repertoire with the group!
Sheet Music & Downloads
Sheet music and vocal tracks for "How the Scenery Changes" can be downloaded here. If you have any trouble downloading any of these files, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Soprano
Alto
Tenor
Bass
Quartet
2009 Rush Calendar
Woolsey Jam
August 30 at 10:00PM, Woolsey Hall
Dwight Jam
September 4 at 9:00PM, Dwight Hall
Auditions
September 5-6, Saybrook-Branford Room
Singing Dessert
September 10 at 8:00PM, Branford Common Room
Callbacks
September 19-20, Saybrook-Branford Room
Tap Night
Sometime on the week of September 21-25
