Niche and intensive would best describe the Western Acoustic Club at St Joseph’s College of Commerce. Highly talented and very passionate about their music, the 8-member club has a performance range that is quite broad and versatile.
“We are chosen through an impartial system that takes into account the talent of each person who auditions in a free and fair process,” says Smitha Srinath, a singer with a background in both Jazz and Carnatic music.
“As our seniors leave and spots fall vacant we take in new members but they have to harmonise with the group. Although some of our members can play the guitar, piano or keyboard we prefer to sing a capella (without instruments) as we get points for the level of difficulty we choose,” says Ajay Joel, one of the lead members of the group.
Whether they are rocking the halls with Elvis’s evergreen popular song ‘Blue suede shoes’ or a well-rehearsed medley of retro favourites from the likes of the Beach Boys, Dooley Brothers or Michael Jackson, the club is a peppy confident bunch used to winning.
Obviously, buoyed by the string of successes they have had at various cultural festivals and music competitions, they also rue the fact that due to intensive exam timetables they get to miss out on a lot of programmes.
“We are looking forward to playing a special composition that combines elements of Jazz, Carnatic and diverse musical influences that we are working on currently at the several inter-collegiate festivals lined up in January,” says Michelle, a vocalist with the group.
“While winning is great, we are in it for the sheer joy of participation. When we perform on stage we tend to forget the judges, the audience and the competition and just sing our hearts out as one. It’s what really sets us apart — our chemistry and harmony,” reveals Smitha.