Clef Hangers' spring concert acts as coda to seniors' UNC experience

On Friday night, the Memorial Hall auditorium was packed with family, friends and fans who erupted with applause throughout the Clef Hangers’ spring performance. 

The group ran through a set list of 18 songs. Some of these songs were returning classics such as "Africa" by Toto and "Carolina in My Mind" by James Taylor, along with some arrangements new to their catalog such as a SZA mashup and "Miss Independent" by Ne-Yo.

 “I didn't see the vision for an a cappella group singing 'Miss Independent,' but it ended up being one of my favorite songs in the set list,” UNC senior and Clef Hanger Mark Finamore said. “It was one of the songs that we heard the best response from the audience.”

Finamore also said “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson was a hit due to first-year member Nikhil Copling, who loves the artist and was able to showcase some of his dance moves. Senior Imani Chabikuli enjoyed the SZA mashup of “Good Days” and “Snooze” because it allowed the group to do more R&B, which he said he always wanted the Clefs to do more of. 

Some of the standout numbers, however, were the senior solos performed by Finamore, Chabikuli and Scott Gilliam.

The three soon-to-be graduates have been involved in the a cappella group since their first year at UNC in 2021, making their goodbyes that much more difficult. 

“When the curtains went up, there [was] definitely a whirlwind of emotions that I don’t think me nor Mark nor Scott could have anticipated,” Chabikuli said.

All of the seniors were able to choose their own song, with different meanings attached to each.

Chabikuli dedicated “Brother” by Matt Corby to his sister, who was the reason he started singing a cappella. Gilliam sang “Jason’s Song (Gave It Away)” by Ariana Grande to show off his vocal range. 

“It's just an incredible piece of music,” Finamore said about Gilliam’s solo. “He's probably the only person in the group who would be able to sing that song.”

Finamore decided to use his solo to memorialize his friend, David Nicholson, who passed away in August 2024. Finamore chose two religious songs that held importance in their friendship.

“A few months before he passed away, he sent me a playlist of songs that he was hoping to one day sing and record on an album, and he wanted me to be a part of the album for some songs,” Finamore said. “David had such a beautiful voice.”

Finamore, Chabikuli and Gilliam had their solos introduced by younger members of the Clef Hangers. Copling gave a heartfelt speech about Finamore, who has already become one of Copling’s closest friends after meeting each other this semester.  

“It was super special doing the senior solos,” Copling said. “It’s so crazy to think that they’re going to leave. The fact that we spend so much time together, I think is why we work so well.”

The bond the members have shared over the past eight semesters is something that goes deeper than the group itself. Finamore said the Clef Hangers community has been a key part in making his UNC experience fulfilling. 

Chabikuli shared a similar sentiment and encouraged everyone at UNC who enjoys singing to try a cappella.

“It's an amazing community on UNC’s campus, and I'm glad that I stumbled upon it,” Chabikuli said. “I would hope that as many people as possible could stumble upon it, too, during their time at UNC.”

@dthlifestyle | lifestyle@dailytarheel.com