Rhapsody: MSU's own acapella group

“Pitch Perfect” fans can rejoice that MSU, like the fictional Barden University, has an acapella group on campus. Rhapsody is a fun group of 15 students and is a fantastic way for those who love singing to get involved on campus and do just that: sing. The president of logistics for the club, Isabelle Cuthbertson, said, “It’s a diverse group of students from all areas of study.” Anyone can join or audition and, as Cuthbertson herself put it, “It’s just a fun time.”

As a chemical engineering major, Cuthbertson said that it’s easy to get stuck seeing the same people every day in classes, but Rhapsody has allowed her to expand her horizons and meet new people she never would have met before. “Some of my best friends came from Rhapsody,” Cuthbertson said, “It’s a great group of people who enjoy music and want to make beautiful music.” On top of that, it creates an opportunity to step out of your routine. “Most students [in Rhapsody] aren’t music majors, so they don’t know what it’s like to audition,” she said, “But, there are really cool opportunities outside our comfort zones… and we have to enjoy being young and the freedom that comes with that while it’s here.”

The group typically performs a couple of times throughout the semester, which requires weekly rehearsals and constant practice. Although they don’t have any performances on the schedule this year due to COVID-19, their hard work hasn’t stopped. Cuthbertson mentioned that club protocols have drastically changed this year and COVID-19 has postponed performances because of the strict health guidelines. They’ve had to alter their rehearsal space to allow for more socially distanced meetings, and they wear masks at all times, which can sometimes be difficult when singing. However, they’re still pushing forward. Recently, they have been working on a handful of songs in rehearsal including “Ophelia,” by the Lumineers, “Take Me to Church,” by Hozier and “Falling Water” by Maggie Rogers.

Cuthbertson also mentioned that it’s, “hard with people getting quarantined, because every voice is so important,” but that they’re finding ways around it. She says the group is “hoping to get into recording more, and putting stuff up on Youtube” as well as expanding their social media platforms on TikTok and Instagram to reach more people. As much of a learning curve as all of this has been, the group is trying to make the best of the situation.

If you’re interested in learning more, auditioning or listening to Rhapsody serenade you with amazing harmonies,  follow them on Instagram, @rhapsodyacapella, or you can email them at rhapsody.msu@gmail.com for more information.