The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
A new organization has been established called A Capella UWSP. They are an umbrella club for a capella ensembles.
”Exactly a year ago, we decided that in spring semester 2015, we would start an a capella club. However, due to specific UWSP club regulations, this idea of a small, exclusive, all-male club was denied,” said founder Robert Goszkowicz, senior math and computer information systems major.
The group went through some changes and was formally recognized by the Student Government Association in spring 2015 as an umbrella club because it is now inclusive. Once recognized, the club took off in fall 2015.
A Capella UWSP was founded with the aim to allow members to form their own ensembles and perform at events. Currently, there is an all women’s a capella ensemble called The Point Pitches and an all men’s a capella ensemble named On Point.
”We wanted the organization to act as a foundation so other groups can be made. We wanted to be able to support smaller a capella groups and allow them to exist,” Goszkowicz said.
In fall 2015, the organization held an open mic night where individuals could perform and join the club. This is how the Point Pitches came to be.
Presently, they have 16 members and just finished their auditions for spring semester 2016.
“I joined Point Pitches and we have been rehearsing since the first week of the spring semester 2016. Our next auditions will most probably be in the next fall semester,” freshman Morgan McElmurry said.
”It wasn’t easy. We lost some girls over the winter break, but after our auditions we are now back up to 16. We’re still in the conception stage and figuring out what we want to do including our set list. However, the foundation of our group is established and the positions are allocated so we can stay running and be efficient,” Lexie Zehner, founder and freshman, said.
Their debut performance will be at the Gamma Phi Delta Sorority event Gone Red on Feb. 19.
A Capella UWSP is always accepting new members who want to start their own ensemble or join an existing one. Their meetings are every first Friday of the month. Visit “The Point Pitches” and “On Point UWSP” on Facebook for more information or email acappella@uwsp.edu.
Michelle Wilde
Reporter
