There were ten groups that made the finals. All ten were chosen by Oreo’s officially appointed judges. They were selected in cities from around the country and by video submission. They were chosen against competition in all shapes and sizes, from blue grass combos to piano and guitar. And out of all these entrants, five, fully one half of the national finalists were a cappella groups. Blue Jupiter’s Marty Gasper called the showing “an inspiring testament to the power of a cappella music.”
So who were the other a cappella finalists?
New York University’s recent musical theatre graduates and former members of Mass Transit, Colby fuller, Michael Bunting and Tyler Costin formed a three man group called “The White Stuff.” With less than one day of rehearsal they took the New York Regionals with their high energy harmonies and relaxed t-shirt and jeans style.
Representing Wisconsin, Brian, Nate and Mike of “The Cat's Pajamas” combined tight harmonies with extensive choreography and costuming gags to create a highly entertaining routine. From getting their starting pitch from a trombone (the only use of that or any other instrument in their set), to choreographed passing of milk containers, to revealing their glittery OREO shirts and Hawaiian shorts in a sudden explosive disrobing, the Cat’s Pajamas proved themselves both musical and humorous.
Leona Rupert, Jill Eng, and Jennifer McConnaughty knew each other from church choir in Dallas, Texas. After a few phone calls, they created a smooth and simple 50s style trio called “The Oreoettes.”
Flint, Michigan’s gospel style a cappella quartet “Peaceful Authority” brought a rich, soulful sound to the competition. Alfino Donastorg, Michael West, Tyrone Booth and Alghandi Phillips normally sing together with a special focus on bringing harmony to inner city and at risk children and adults. They turned their talents to Oreo in the hopes that the exposure would help their music reach even more people.
The competitors were more than talented; they were also supportive and kind. At some competitions, participants view each other with suspicion, jealousy and even disdain. They respond by circling the wagons and protectively guarding their tricks. Not so here. While these groups waited in the holding area before entering the theater to perform for the judges, they organized their own mini-show to allow each of the other groups to see what the judges were seeing. After a short time, members of different groups began to sing and harmonize together, creating a little jam session. Enthusiastic camaraderie was the spirit of the day.
Oreo may only have been looking for a new corporate theme, but they uncovered a secret that CASA members and the a cappella community have known for years: a cappella music of all styles continues to powerfully affect listeners from a wide variety of backgrounds. The judges discovered that as soon as you hear it, you’re hooked. Perhaps it’s time the record companies listened to this jingle.
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