<p>Hi, I wanted to know how popular a capella is at Rice. Do a lot of students have interest in it, such as trying out or at least going to acapella concerts? I heard that there is only one group, the Philharmonics. Does this reflect that a capella is not well-received or people just don't have much interest in it? I really want to know because Rice is at the top of my college list, but singing is a major part of my life.</p>
<p>plus, I know that Rice has a fantastic music program…so I was surprised to find that it only has one a capella group (if this is true)</p>
<p>Nice thing about Rice is that you can start whatever you want; good funding for student-run groups (like a second a capella group). A current Rice student will be able to answer, since I’m just a mom - but I think there was another a capella group a few years ago, but perhaps not as established. There are also student bands that you can sing with, Rice Chorale that you can sing with if you like more classical music, also Rice Light Opera which puts on student-run productions in the res colleges, plus some musical theater stuff. You should be able to do plenty of singing at Rice, even if you are not in the conservatory program.</p>
<p>There are two a cappella groups — the Philharmonics, and the Low Keys. The Phils are the coed a cappella group, and they’re the more “prestigious” of the two. The Low Keys are all-female.</p>
<p>The reason there are only two groups is actually partially due to the Shepherd School. The Shepherd School has a very involved chorale that attracts a lot of students who would otherwise be attracted to a cappella.</p>
<p>thanks for all the info!! hmm maybe i’ll even start up a new group if i get it…</p>
<p>i was also wondering: does rice hold a capella concerts (at my school we call them “jams”) or do the groups perform in the city or other outside gigs?</p>
<p>The Phils perform pretty regularly, I think. You can find out more here:</p>
<p>[Rice</a> University Philharmonics](<a href=“http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~phils/news.html]Rice”>http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~phils/news.html)</p>
<p>Aside from the Phils and Low Key, the Rice Chorale is AMAZING! You will get to sing with vocal performance majors from Shepherd, under the guidance of a truly inspirational conductor. There are no shortage of opportunities here!</p>