For proof that it's entirely possible to sound like a full band without using a single instrument, look no further than The Pennharmonics, a co-ed a cappella group founded at Penn State in 1993.
The group will be showcasing its talents with its first full-length concert of the semester tonight in 105 Forum.
The concert will feature Casual Harmony, an all-male a cappella group from Rutgers University.
"The Pennharmonics are one of the better groups we've performed with," Casual Harmony president Saqib Mikey Yasin said. "Both groups take it very seriously and have talent, and it shows in the music."
The two groups met when they were auditioning for a show on NBC, said Mallory Moran, a Pennharmonics performer and the group's public relations manager. The Pennharmonics have already received a call back about the contest, and the group is excited about the prospect, Moran said.
Pennharmonics musical director Alec Kristobak said he thinks the two groups will complement each other nicely.
"It's awesome to be able to perform with a group from a different area that has a different demographic," Kristobak (senior-economics) said. "I think we'll mesh very well."
The two groups have different styles -- Casual Harmony is more R&B, Pennharmonics focuses more on pop -- but Moran (senior-marketing) isn't worried. Because The Pennharmonics is a co-ed a cappella group and Casual Harmony is all-male, both groups can do things that the others can't, which Moran said will make for a good performance.
"Having a guest group changes the dynamic," said Moran. "We've performed with them a few times over the past few years and we have very good relations, so it's always fun."
Either way, Kristobak said he is excited for the show.
"We're all very comfortable with the new material, and we're all anxious to perform for our friends and family," Kristobak said.
Kristobak and Moran both stressed that one of their favorite elements of performing is seeing all the hard work the group members put in come to fruition.
"Prepping and then seeing hundreds of people in front of you and having everything come together is a great feeling," Moran said.
