Mixed Company's Guide to Surviving Rush at Yale
Dear Class of 2016,
Welcome. We know the first semester of Yale is a busy time. You have extra-curricular bazaars to attend, dinner plans to organize, and classes to shop — in addition to this thing called rush. Well, don't worry. We're here to help.
Your Rush Managers
Sam, Joyce, and Caroline are your guides on this journey; They'll meet you at auditions, schedule your rush meals, and help you out with anything you need. Feel free to e-mail them with questions about rush, Mixed Co, Yale, or life in general. Check out their bios for more information!
Click for Audition Info
Rush in Five Easy Steps
One. 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.
Two. 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.
Three. 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.
Four. 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!
Five. 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.
Audition Information
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.
Important Dates for Rush 2012
- Woolsey Jam
- August 26 at 10:30pm, Woolsey Hall
- Dwight Jam
- August 31 at 10:00pm, Dwight Hall
- Auditions
- September 1–2, Branford Saybrook Room
- Singing Dessert
- September 4 at 8:00pm, Off Broadway Theater
- Callbacks
- September 15-16, Branford Saybrook Room
- Tap Night
- Sometime on the week of September 16–22
Rush Rules & the SGC
A cappella rush at Yale is regulated by an organization called the Singing Group Council. The rush rules are available at the SGC Website.
