Get Ready to be... Pitch Slapped!

by: Bridget Greene

ONEONTA, NY -- Since their humble beginnings in 2012, the all female acapella group Pitch Slapped has been fostering friendships between its members. However, if you missed the aca-outburst that occurred just a few years ago with the release of the film Pitch Perfect, acapella style singing entails “making sounds and singing the instruments of songs. You have to listen to the song, listen to the bass line and the drum beats and make arrangements based on the instruments not just the lyrics of the song” which is “definitely difficult but it’s worth it when it all comes together” said by vice president of Pitch Slapped, Rebecca Roffi.  

According to Julia Rosa, “The hardest part about singing acapella is to not only learn the song but, the technique of each individual song we do, it is also hard to blend with your voice parts and surrounding members.” Rosa is one of the two musical directors for group. 

Since being established four years ago, Pitch Slapped has really advanced and developed their sound and own musical abilities according to the group's public relations representative, Megan Palmer. In the past, they were “doing arrangements that were simple, with simple harmonies and very basic chords.” Today, however, Palmer has taken pride in the groups evolution by performing more complex arrangements.  

If you haven’t realized, Pitch Slapped is a one of a kind club on SUNY Oneonta’s campus. They rehearse twice a week for a total of 4 hours to ensure their songs hit the right note during performances. The group performs approximately fifteen times a semester at events headlined by Pitch Slapped including Acoustapalooza and Café For a Cause as well as events where they collaborate with other clubs and organizations to perform and bring their fun and energetic songs to a wider audience.

Spending copious amounts of time together allowed these 21 musically talented ladies to form friendships that have enhanced their college experience for all the right reasons. The members of Pitch Slapped consider themselves a part of a family as soon as they join. “The difference between Pitch Slapped and any other club is how close we are. It is really like a second family and a home away from home. We already have this core foundation and common interest in music so that just brings us even closer together”, said Lauren Giacalone.

 

Whether it’s all of the rehearsal time these women take out of their schedules or the bond they immediately form, Pitch Slapped is definitely a unique and energetic group to watch perform as well as be a part of. 

To hear the full version of “Lay Me Down” and “Hold My Hand” check out the YouTube link below and prepare to be Pitch Slapped! 
https://youtu.be/Pq4fTpPRtAE