"What is rush?"

Rush is a month-long series of auditions, callbacks, concerts, and rush meals. In late August, 'rushees' have the opportunity to hear all the groups in two introductory concerts. After getting a taste of Yale's a cappella scene, each rushee auditions for the groups of his choice. With auditions completed, you'll have the chance to get to know current group members on rush meals. While it may sound complicated, rushing is just a really fun audition process and a great way to meet new people. Our "guide to rush" below will help you through the process, and hopefully it will give you a couple audition pointers as well!

Woolsey and Dwight

Woolsey Hall, the centerpiece of Beinecke Plaza, plays host to Rush's inaugural performance. The first week freshmen arrive on campus, all the a cappella groups on campus gather to provide interested singers a sample of Yale's music scene. Each group performs a few numbers, and the concert traditionally ends with cameos by the senior-only groups, the all-male Whiffenpoofs and the all-female Whim'n'Rhythm. About a week later, you'll have a chance to hear all the groups again and to sign up for audition slots at Dwight Hall on Old Campus.

Auditions

An audition for The Duke's Men is both straightforward and low-key. We begin with some warm-ups to help prepare your voice for singing. After that, we'll ask you to sing with some of the current members in four-part harmony to check your blending and sight-reading (download "Aura Lee," our traditional audition song). Finally, we'll have you sing a solo of your choice for the group. Use your solo to show us your own personal style of performance. Remember, relax and have fun!

Rush Meals

After your audition, we'll schedule rush meals with you. Rush meals give you a chance to get to know group members and experience each group's dynamic. Rush meals are your chance to audition us; remember, you'll be with us for three years! Ask about our tours, practice schedule, competitions, awards, or even advice on what classes to take. At the very least, you'll get to know a couple of guys who are excited to meet new people.

Singing Desserts

Woolsey and Dwight only give us a short time to perform; therefore, we hold a full-length concert called a Singing Dessert. As the name implies, expect great food and even better entertainment. This is your best chance to get to know the group's repertoire and to see what a regular concert is like. Enjoy the food, savor the soloists, and appreciate the arrangements. We'll usually throw in a couple of new skits as well! The concert concludes with a party with one of our favorite female groups.

Callbacks

Oftentimes, auditions don't give us a chance to hear all of a singer's attributes. Callbacks are much like our auditions except a little longer. Make sure to prepare a second solo, usually in a different style than the first.

Tap Night

After callbacks we'll make our final decisions, and then everyone prepares for the madness of Tap Night. The actual date is a heavily guarded secret, but usually each group will host a large family style dinner the day of, just to make sure we don't arrive at any empty rooms!