The Evolution of A Cappella

What is A Capella

 "A cappella music is a performance by a singer or a singing group without instrumental accompaniment, or a piece intended to be performed in this way." Wikapedia

Beginning of A Cappella

It is impossible to determine when and where a cappella first began. Anyone can sing a song or hum a tune to themselves. However, the first recorded history of a cappella originated amongst religion as far back as 20 BCE. It was used in Christian. Islamic and Jewish religious music. These religions would use musical chants to replace instruments because many sacred texts can be interpreted as forbidding the use of instruments in worship. One of the examples of religious a cappella is the Gregorian Chant.  The Gregorian Chant developed mainly in the Frankish lands of western and central Europe during the 9th and 10th centuries. 

Barbershop Style

Barbershop music is one of the few exclusively American vocal styles. It is "Characterized by its taut, constant four part harmonics and ringing overtones" (The History of A Capella) Usually all of the performers were dressed in matching outfits. It was first named in 1910 after Play That Barbershop Chord and became widely popular in the 1940's after its struggle against the radio in the 1930's. Early barbershop music was associated with African American gospel quartets. Barbershop became mainstream after the song Mr Sandman by the Chordettes came out in 1954 in America.

 

Pop Music

After the middle century, from the 1960's to the 1990's, bands started to bring a cappella into the center of pop music. Some examples are The Nylons The Lions Sleep Tonight 1982, Boyz II Men's Its so Hard to Say Goodby to Yesterday 1991, and Paul Simon's Graceland 1986.

 

The Lion Sleeps Tonight 1982, South Africa

 

College A Cappella

A cappella in colleges began in 1909 with the founding of the Yale Wiffenpoofs. originally all college a cappella groups sand songs specific to their college. it wasn't until the 90's that it started leaning more into pop culture. New styles of imitating rock instruments and vocal percussion (beat boxing) started to emerged as a result. Thousands of college a cappella groups have formed around the United States. there are also now a cappella competition for these groups to compete in.  

A Cappella Today

Now in the Modern day a cappella music has been developed as technology advanced and a new type of a cappella music  has developed called "overdubbing" which is when singers record themselves singing the same song over and over again but in different parts.

This song is After Ever After - DISNEY Parody by John Cozart published March 12, 2013 in America

A cappella is now depicted more in media as well. In 2009 NBC aired a show called The Sing-off where several a cappella groups competed for a cash prize and a record contract. Glee was a TV series that  was fictional representation of a cappella group that did competitions. Another example is the Pitch Perfect movies which follows the story of a female college a cappella group. 

My Experience with A Cappella

I really enjoy a cappella music. I enjoy the barbershop style a lot. I have seen a few in person at the local events. A group also showed up at a Fourth of July party I went to once. I hadn't realized how many things were considered to be a cappella. I had only related it to its more modern day depictions. My favorite a cappella group Home Free once did a show in my town that I got to see. I was first introduced to this group through my grandfather. He had heard there music and shared it with my mother and I. This was the only concert I have ever really been to and it was amazing. One of their group members is absolutely amazing with the sounds he can make. It is so incredible. 

This is Adam Rupp doing one of his beat-box solos

This is my favorite song by Home Free its called Champagne Taste (on a Bear Budget) came out in 2014.

Bibliography 

“A Brief History of a Cappella.” TakeLessons Blog, 4 Mar. 2016, takelessons.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-a-cappella-z02. Accessed 14 Oct. 2021.

Tolentino, J.C. “The History of a Cappella.” Our Pastimes, 2017, ourpastimes.com/the-history-of-a-cappella-12195707.html.

Wikipedia Contributors. “A Cappella.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_cappella.

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“A Brief History of a Cappella.” TakeLessons Blog, 4 Mar. 2016, takelessons.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-a-cappella-z02. Accessed 14 Oct. 2021.

Tolentino, J.C. “The History of a Cappella.” Our Pastimes, 2017, ourpastimes.com/the-history-of-a-cappella-12195707.html.

Wikipedia Contributors. “A Cappella.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_cappella.

“A Brief History of a Cappella.” TakeLessons Blog, 4 Mar. 2016, takelessons.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-a-cappella-z02. Accessed 14 Oct. 2021.

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“A Brief History of a Cappella.” TakeLessons Blog, 4 Mar. 2016, takelessons.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-a-cappella-z02. Accessed 14 Oct. 2021.

‌

rief History of a Cappella.” TakeLessons Blog, 4 Mar. 2016, takelessons.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-a-cappella-z02. Accessed 14 Oct. 2021.

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