Skye Duncan | Lariat Photographer
By Allie Matherne
Reporter
Baylor’s a Capella group VirtuOSO placed first in the Varsity Vocals’ International Championship of Collegiate a cappella quarterfinal last weekend in Knoxville, Tenn. The group advanced to the semifinal competition scheduled for March 21 in Gainesville, Fla.
Marshall senior Ross Tarpley, VirtuOSO’s student director, said the team consists of many talented individuals.
“This year we have a really solid group of really intuitive musicians who have great showmanship,” said Tarpley.
The annual quarterfinal was one of several regional quarterfinals held by Varsity Vocals. The two highest-scoring teams in each quarterfinal moves on to the regional semifinal, with the ultimate goal of competing for the title of Grand Champion at the finals held in New York City.
VirtuOSO was awarded first place, best arrangement and best vocal percussion at the quarterfinal, totaling up to three of the six awards given this weekend.
Houston sophomore Othaniel Tay said he believes the team’s success was partially due to the planning and preparation of its leaders.
“Caleb Moore, one of the tenors on the team, is really diligent about researching and knowing what the judges want,” said Tay, VirtuOSO’s beatboxer.
The team has placed fourth for the past two years in this competition, and has never before advanced to the semifinals. Tarpley said the team is already tweaking its set list and preparing for the semifinals.
On March 21, the team will face off with the 10 other first-place winners of their respective quarterfinal rounds in Gainesville, Fla.
