Here I am, back in 105 Driscoll Hall. I’m currently listening to the incredible voices of ten men singing an absolutely beautiful a cappella arrangement of the classic Christmas song O Holy Night. I had the privilege of seeing these ten men, a group known as Straight No Chaser, live this past Friday in Red Banks, NJ.
The concert lasted about two hours but honestly felt like twenty minutes! Straight No Chaser performed a 2 segment show; the first half showcased their most popular covers and medleys, such as The Man Who Can’t Be Moved and Billie Jean/Poison. The second half of the show was dedicated to the group’s Christmas music, like their notable version of the 12 Days of Christmas and O Holy Night (both songs the group used to perform in college together!). Although I’ve always loved a cappella music, actually being a part of an a cappella group on campus made me appreciate this concert even more. Just in the first semester, Octaves has taught me so much about the handwork that is required by a cappella singers. It takes a truly talented male vocal ensemble to accomplish what Straight No Chaser does. Check out this video and their website!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straight_No_Chaser_%28group%29
Although I was already getting in the Christmas spirit before Thanksgiving, since it is now December, I can do that with no guilt! The first day back on campus I noticed a beautiful, full tree in the corner of the Dionne Green. This made me even more excited for this weekend! As I mentioned in a previous post, on Saturday the University is celebrating its annual Advent Tree Lighting. After the beautiful Christmas Mass, this tree will be twinkling with lights and a golden star at the top. (Of course, including a carol or two from Octaves!) It seems like it was only yesterday when Octaves had their first caroling practice. I cannot believe we’ll finally be performing this weekend!
But alas, our performance is a reminder that the semester will be over soon. Winter break is just around the corner; 10 days away to be exact! I know the time is going to fly by and since final exams begin next week, I’ll be keeping my “Five Tips for the Final Stretch” in mind.
With that being said, I’m off to continue working on my final essays and begin some study guides! Hope you’re all staying warm and listening to Christmas songs on the radio just as much as I am!
Catherine E. Bombard
Hi! My name's Catherine, but you can call me Catie and I'm a sophomore from Wayne, NJ here at the University of Scranton. I'm an English major, Communication minor hoping to have a career in publishing one day. I'm a member and the publicist of Octaves, an a cappella group on campus, along with being a writer and editor for The Aquinas, the student newspaper. Thanks for checking out the student blogs and I hope you enjoy hearing about my "Scranton Experience"! :)
