Sisterhood is a vital part of the Longwood University experience. Whether it’s at sorority that feels like a home away from home, or just a randomly assigned roommate who turns into a best friend. Everyone finds where they belong in a different way, if you happen to find a group of people who you can love and harmonize with it’s just an added bonus.
Pitch Perfect is Longwood’s all female acapella group. Founded in 2007 by four Longwood students Pitch Perfect has become the unofficial sound of all of Longwood’s major celebrations. If you are walking around the beer garden during Octoberfest, or perusing a booth during spring weekend chances are you can hear the sweet sounds of Pitch Perfect somewhere in the distance.
The ladies of Pitch Perfect definitely have to work to sound that good. They rehearse three days a week, working tirelessly to make sure each new performance is better than the last. Whitney Hackney serves as Pitch Perfect’s music director. She has performed and worked with Pitch Perfect for seven semesters. Hackney can’t speak highly enough about her time with the talented group.
“Since it is all women it really turns into a sisterhood,” said Hackney, “we spend three days of our week with these people we get to really know them on a personal and professional level.” When the girls rehearse they split into their sections and go into separate areas within the music building. Once each section has their part down pat they meet back up and put it all together. It may seem like all work but Hackney was adamant about the bond that creating music helps to cultivate.
One real advantage to being part of this group is the opportunity it gives members to meet people outside of their major. Pitch Perfect allows anyone to audition and become part of the ensemble from any major. Getting the chance to socialize with people outside of your major can be a golden opportunity.
“Greek life is so prominent on campus and that might be the first thing that catches a freshmen’s attention when they come to Longwood. They want to be part of an organization that’s like a family away from family. I think some people don’t realize that it’s the same kind of idea in an acapella group because we are so close knit,” said Hackney.
The audition process for Pitch Perfect is simple. You come in with a prepared song and sing for Hackney and a few other members of the group. Once you are done you are given a piece of music to sing, this is to see if you can sight read. Though being able to sight read is a bonus Hackney stresses the fact that it is not requirement. Pitch Perfect takes all skill levels, and Hackney and the rest of the girls know how scary an audition can be.
“We try to make it as fun as possible because everyone has some kind of fear be it stage fright, or I’m gonna forget the words, or I’m gonna fall off the stage. Everybody has some kind of insecurity when it comes to performing so we try to make it as easy as possible,” said Hackney.
Longwood University is truly a place where you will be encouraged to try new things and find a good fit. If you’re looking for an organization where you can make new friends, hone your performing skills, and impact campus in a positive way then Pitch Perfect might just be the place for you.
