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Sunset Serenade highlights UNC a cappella groups, fosters artistic community

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The Walk Ons perform as the sun sets during the UNC Sunset Serenade outside of South Building on Aug. 19, 2024.

From the bottom of the steps of South Building to the flagpole, UNC students and community members gathered in Polk Place on Monday to witness the University's various a cappella groups perform at Sunset Serenade: an annual event hosted by the Student Alumni Association on the first day of fall classes. 

The Clef Hangers — UNC’s oldest a cappella group — started off the show. The group covered a variety of artists before closing off their set with a rendition of “Carolina On My Mind” by James Taylor, which the group has been performing for years. 

“It always surprises me how many people actually come out to these things, and it’s just really cute seeing all the friend groups,” Nik Li, a sophomore history major, said

Li said they were not previously an a cappella fan, but enjoyed the atmosphere of the serenade and found it enjoyable to listen to.

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Students watch performances from the grass during the UNC Sunset Serenade outside of South Building on Aug. 19, 2024.

Performers are not afraid to play around with dramatic performances, like the UNC Achordants’ cover of Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” from the "Barbie" movie.

UNC Walk-Ons member Shwetha Kunjur said that the a cappella groups form a distinct community on campus. 

Kunjur said her favorite part of the community is the memories she has made with fellow Walk-Ons members. She specifically enjoys their retreat, which they have every semester.

“We sing all day, and then we have a lot of fun by night,” Kunjur said.

In between performances, singers at Sunset Serenade could be seen congratulating their peers and socializing with the other campus a cappella groups. Though each group is unique with their own style and vocal range, they share the same love of song and performance. 

Not only do UNC’s a cappella groups foster community, they cultivate creativity. Genres range from pop to country to rock to hip-hop, and Sunset Serenade highlights the diversity of the University's arts scene. Each a cappella group has its own identity, whether it be the South Asian and Western fusion of UNC’s Samaa, or the faith-oriented music of UNC Psalm 100

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Katie Fuller of Tar Heel Voices sings during the UNC Sunset Serenade outside of South Building on Aug. 19, 2024.

In addition to those who make up many a cappella groups on campus, UNC has many students who appreciate the art of a cappella. 

“I’ve been a 'Pitch Perfect' fan,” Riya Behari, a sophomore economics major, said. “It was my dream to be in college a cappella, but I can’t sing.” 

The crowd was abuzz with "Pitch Perfect" references the entire night. Even the UNC Clef Hangers referenced the film, imitating the iconic Treblemakers’ cover of “Magic” by B.o.B. 

As the sun went down, UNC’s oldest all-female a cappella group, the UNC Loreleis, closed the show with some contemporary hits. 

With auditions coming up next week, Sunset Serenade not only celebrates a cappella’s current members, but gives these groups a chance to reach out to interested audience members. More information regarding auditions can be found through the social media platforms of each a cappella group. 

@mollierayy

@dthlifestyle | lifestyle@dailytarheel.com

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