Style Guide-College
College a cappella generally covers groups that sprang from the tradition started by the Yale Whiffenpoofs in 1909. Typically when people talk about "college a cappella" this does not include the numerous classical choruses or barbershop quartets that also populate college campuses.
Groups typically have a dozen singers (ranging from 8 to 22) so that multiple voices cover each part (unless there are 12 different parts, which sometimes there are!), but the groups are smaller than a typical chorus.
They often sing in a horseshoe formation but with occasional choreography the look can be varied. Often there is somebody conducting, but they aren't standing in front of, and in the middle of the group with their back to the audience... they are singing too!
The styles of songs can vary widely - from barbershop to contemporary rock to Christian, Jewish and world beat - but the majority of groups sing popular music.
Vocal percussion has spread across collegiate a cappella - not universally but broadly.
With the decrease in expense of digital studios, collegiate a cappella CD production can match the quality of professional contemporary vocal bands.
Popular groups include the Yale Whiffenpoofs, University of Virginia Academical Village People and The Tufts Beelzebubs as well as the Best of College A Cappella (BOCA) compilation series.
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