Rush 2008!

We know what you’re thinking. "A rush process? But I just wanted to be in an a cappella group, not a fraternity or a sorority... why do I have to rush? Can’t I just sing a nice song and smile and have that be the end of it?"

As you'll soon find out, a cappella at Yale is something more than 15 disparate singing groups. It’s an interconnected community of people who love to sing, and each group in this community cultivates a unique sound and bond between its members. There isn’t one top group on campus, so the rush process is a way for you to become intimately familiar with the groups you’re interested in joining. By the end of rush, you can decide which group’s musical style and social dynamic fits you best.

Here to guide you through the rush process with New Blue are our two Rush Managers: Sara and Hilary. They will be there for your auditions and callbacks, schedule your rush meals, and answer any questions you might have about New Blue or rush in general.

At the beginning of each fall semester, the a cappella community of Yale University holds an extensive process called RUSH. Through rushing a group, you audition to become a member. Rush usually lasts about about three and a half weeks, during which auditions, callbacks, singing desserts and rush meals are held. Rush events begin with the Woolsey Hall Jam the night of the freshman bazaar and culminate one evening near the end of September, in the often chaotic and always exciting Tap Night.

After auditioning for the groups you are interested in, you can get to know the members of these groups through rush meals. Rush meals are a chance for you, as a “rushee,” to ask all kinds of questions about the groups you have auditioned for, as well as about a cappella in general. By eating and talking with a cappella members, you can also begin to decide what type of group dynamic you prefer.

Singing desserts are held throughout the Rush period, and give rushees the opportunity to experience more completely the style of performance and the range of repertoire each group has to offer. Rushees can attend as many or as few desserts as they want, and may attend desserts of groups they are not rushing. You’re not required to attend the desserts of groups you are rushing, but keep in mind that the desserts are the key rush event in terms of seeing the group in performance. After desserts, you can expect some great parties that will give you yet another chance to interact socially with the group.

At the end of the Rush period, Tap Night is held. The festivities begin at High Street Gate, where hundreds of aca-people and fans gather for a short concert by Yale’s male and female senior a cappella groups, the Whiffenpoofs and Whim'n'Rhythm. At approximately ten o'clock pm, the gates are opened... and not even we know exactly what will happen next. But by the end of the night, all the rushees wanted by the various groups will end up surrounded by the people they can’t wait to spend the next three or four years of their college life with.

We know from experience that Rush can get very stressful at times and often tends to seem more serious than it is. Just keep in mind that it’s supposed to be an exciting and enjoyable experience. Each group has several Rush Managers who can mediate between you, as a rushee, and the often elusive concept of Rush. Our rush managers this year are Hilary Faxon and Sara Edwards. Feel free to talk to or email them with any questions or concerns about you may have.