UNO’s New A Cappella Group Finds the Perfect Pitch

The sounds of singing and beatboxing echoed through Strauss Performing Arts Center late at night. Students filled a classroom, decked out with microphones, speakers, and a piano. It didn’t take them long before they started to sing and dance again, despite taking a break during rehearsal between musical numbers. They just wanted to continue singing, knowing they were creating something special.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is home to a new a cappella student organization, One Note Stands, which was created this spring and is the only of its kind.

One Note Stands will host the Spring Show, an end-of-school-year celebration based on the hit workplace comedy The Office. Their performance will take place on Friday, May 23, at 7 P.M. at Strauss Performing Arts Center in the Concert Hall.

Mary Mancuso, president of One Note Stands, said the group began with just four students at the start of the semester. But after an Instagram post announcing its creation gained traction, auditions were held, and membership grew.

“When several of us had the idea to start this group at UNO, I was so excited to be involved,” she said. “It’s amazing that people are able to make music with just their voices.”

Many members, like Mary, had experience in a cappella during high school. Others, like Lucas Good, were drawn to the musical style and went to audition.

“Everyone and their grandmother have heard of an acapella group,” Good said. “Like Pentatonix. Voice Play, and Rockapella.”

Lucas plays the percussion role in the group, essentially a beatboxer who adds the needed rhythm and energy to the group. He also helps guide the group in keeping pace with the song’s tempo.

As a senior, Lucas said getting to try something different has been a great experience. Bonding and making music with this tight-knit community have added much to his college life.

“One Note Stands is a fun and welcoming group of people,” he said. “We spend a lot of time together between classes and rehearsals. We really got to know each other, and now it feels like we have been through so much.”

“Being part of the group has meant the world to me,” Mancuso said. “We all have a passion for music, and it’s made rehearsals something I look forward to every week.”

Since its creation, the group has performed in a regional competition affiliated with the International Championship of Collegiate Acapella, an annual gathering made popular by the movie “Pitch Perfect.”

In the future, the group plans to continue competing against other collegiate groups and booking time in a studio to record music. In the meantime, the group’s The Office-themed Spring Show will feature all the songs from the year and perhaps mustard-colored shirts worthy of Dwight Schrute.