That’s what happened to Discovery Bay resident Kristin Bradshaw, 21, a fan of the reality competition “The Sing Off.” After loyally watching the televised a capella competition for several seasons, Bradshaw has decided to form her group. The ensemble might not win America’s vote and a recording contract with a major music label, but the idea of creating a community a capella group struck Bradshaw as a fun challenge.
“I’ve watched every season of ‘The Sing Off’ since it started,” she said. “I’ve always thought a cappella groups were so cool – the fact that every sound is coming from a person. When I started visiting colleges with my sister, I saw all these colleges with a cappella groups. I really wanted to be in something like that, but we don’t have anything like that around here. Took me some time, but I decided, why not just start one myself?”
Bradshaw is currently accepting audition submissions from vocalists who’d like to sing in her to-be-named group. The Los Medanos College student knows it’s difficult to carve out time for recreational activities, so she invited the public to submit digital copies of a capella auditions by June 24.
Bradshaw invites anyone who loves music to submit an audition to her e-mail address, bubbli_n_purple_4@hotmail.com. There are no restrictions regarding gender, age or vocal range. Once the members have been selected, Bradshaw will work with them to establish a schedule that works for everyone. Audition clips must be at least one minute long, and Bradshaw encourages performers to choose a song that best highlights their vocal abilities. She also welcomes beat boxers.
Bradshaw embraced her love of music as a student at Liberty High School, where under the mentorship of choir director Sue Stuart she began to hone her talents.
“Choir changed my life,” Bradshaw said. “I was involved in every choir. I was on choir council one year, and I did all the extras such as Rent-A-Carol and solo and ensemble. Anything I could be a part of, I was.”
Bradshaw is also asking applicants to complete a short survey. For more information about the audition process, call Bradshaw at 925-848-9842.