The 12 vocalists of Fifth Element and Impromptu competed against some of the best collegiate a cappella groups in the Midwest Feb. 10.
The six men of Fifth Element and the six members of the coed group Impromptu, both UW-Eau Claire cappella groups, traveled to Kirksville, Mo., last week. The groups took part in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella competition.
“We had great success and did a fine job of representing UW-Eau Claire,” said senior Brandon Richards of Fifth Element.
Fifth Element placed second, which advanced the group to the Midwest semifinals in Bloomington, Ind., on March 3. Impromptu placed third.
Besides placing second and third in the competition, the groups also came back with individual awards. Fifth Element won “Best Original Arrangement,” senior Tom Anderson of Fifth Element won “Best Vocal Percussionist” and Impromptu was the runner-up for “Best Arrangement.”
This is the second year in a row Fifth Element has taken second place and advanced to the semifinals. If Fifth Element takes first in Bloomington, the group will advance to the international finals in New York City.
Both groups spoke of the great learning experiences they had in Missouri. Richards said the competition and other groups were incredible.
“You have to see it to believe it,” he said.
Both groups had to submit vocal audition tapes and group photos in order to be accepted to the competition.
But the audition process was not the only feat the groups had to overcome to perform in the competition. The treacherous weather they encountered on their way down proved to be tough.
Brinkman said the group had to push one of its members’ car out of a snow bank.
“It made the competition even more meaningful because it was so trying to get there,” Brinkman said.
Besides the Midwest semifinals competition, Fifth Element will perform both on campus and in other competitions in the upcoming months.
The group has been accepted to compete in the Harmony Sweepstakes Competition in Chicago March 24. It will perform on campus March 1 at the Food Drive Benefit concert and again on April 27 for its spring concert.
Impromptu will perform April 20 at the Viennese Ball and Honors Banquet. Its spring concert will be held on April 3 in Schofield auditorium.