Arriving on campus as a freshman, one is inundated by the myriad fliers and sign-up sheets for all the extracurricular activities at Princeton.
The overflow of information is enough to make one's head spin as those most recent additions to the Princeton community search desperately to find their niche here.
For many, a cappella groups are the way to go, as they offer much more than merely a musical outlet. Membership in a group involves rehearsals, arch-sings, gigs at parties and brings with it a ready-made social circle of sorts.
Since the commitment involves spending so much time with the group, the decision to join entails more than just admiration of their musical choices. It's just as important to identify with the personality of the group as a unit.
All four of the following groups are interested in finding those female members of the freshman and sophomore classes who came to campus with the desire to sing and to make a whole new group of friends.
Tigerlilies
Founded in 1971, the Tigerlilies are the oldest female a cappella group at Princeton. Since their initial performance of "How High the Moon," their repertoire has grown and changed to include everything from classic jazz tunes to 50s bop to modern rock. But they emphasize that the feeling of music and sisterhood has remained the same.
The Lils especially tout on their website their "close harmonies, warm humor and innovative choreography."
In recent years, the Lils have traveled to Australia, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, the Bahamas and California. They are looking forward to touring St. Croix during Fall Break this year. Those interested should email tigerlil@ for more information.
Tigressions
The second female a cappella group to emerge on campus, the Tigressions draw their music from everything from the Broadway stage to the radio waves. Boasting a repertoire that ranges from the Indigo Girls' "Galileo" to the traditional "Elijah Rock" to the Beatles' famous song "Hey Jude," the Tigressions are also proud of their energy and love of music.
Their latest album, "Beyond Details," was recorded last spring. They plan to release it later this fall. In the past 15 years, the Tigressions have traversed the country, singing their way from San Francisco to Boston and have also traveled internationally to Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, England and Switzerland. For more information, contact the Tigressions at tigress@.
Wildcats
President Melanie Laird '02 describes the typical Wildcat as "a strong, independent woman who has diverse interests, noticeable self-confidence and her own individual style."
It is the combination of these strong personalities that makes such a strong group of both women and voices.
Their musical selections mirror that appreciation of diversity. With selections ranging from jazz to disco to rock to gospel and love ballads, the Wildcats are also interested in adding to their already-impressive range.
"We embrace all genres of music and are always eager to increase our repertoire with new musical styles," Laird says.
Last year, they toured Niagara Falls and now have their compact disc and T-shirt hanging in the Hard Rock Cafe there. The Wildcats are looking forward to this, their 15th anniversary year.
They are hoping to travel to Disney World for their fall tour and are planning, according to Laird, a "fabulous celebration concert/party" to mark their anniversary. The Wildcats can be reached by emailing mjlaird@.
Culturally Yours
In 1992, a group of students analyzed the a cappella scene and, as they explain on their homepage, they "decided that there was something lacking: soul."
The creation of Culturally Yours was an attempt to provide just that for the fans of a cappella at Princeton.
"Unlike the other a cappella groups, we have a soulful sound that you can sing along to and that just makes you feel good," member Catherine Toppin '02 explained. Though their repertoire consists of music composed or originally performed by African Americans, the group is open to anyone woman student "regardless of race, ethnicity or creed." Those interested can receive more information by emailing ndmorris@.
Auditions
Tonight?? will be the last chance to audition for the Tigerlilies, the Tigressions and the Wildcats. Sign up sheets are posted in the Woolworth music building. Culturally Yours will be holding auditions in the next few weeks and individual times can be scheduled there. The Wildcats are looking forward to this, their 15th anniversary year.
They are hoping to travel to Disney World for their fall tour and are planning, according to Laird, a "fabulous celebration concert/party" to mark their anniversary. The Wildcats can be reached by emailing mjlaird@.
Culturally Yours
In 1992, a group of students analyzed the a cappella scene and, as they explain on their homepage, they "decided that there was something lacking: soul."
The creation of Culturally Yours was an attempt to provide just that for the fans of a cappella at Princeton.
"Unlike the other a cappella groups, we have a soulful sound that you can sing along to and that just makes you feel good," member Catherine Toppin '02 explained. Though their repertoire consists of music composed or originally performed by African Americans, the group is open to anyone woman student "regardless of race, ethnicity or creed." Those interested can receive more information by emailing ndmorris@.
Auditions
Tonight will be the last chance to audition for the Tigerlilies, the Tigressions and the Wildcats. Sign up sheets are posted in the Woolworth music building. Culturally Yours will be holding auditions in the next few weeks and individual times can be scheduled.
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