In the fall of 1993, a group of friends at the University
founded the a cappella group 58 Greene. Current director and
Engineer senior Neeru Khanna explains, “Most members of the
founding group used to sing in a practice room called 58 Greene,
which is located in the basement of East Quad Residence Hall here
at the University. When time came for them to choose a name, they
felt that all the experiences and intangibles that made up their
newly formed group could best be summarized in that
name.”
Today, 58 Greene is a rotating group of talented University
students who sing at various concerts around campus. Called
“greenies” for short, this chorale has proven their
staying power.
Members of 58 Greene arrange the songs for the group. Alum
Steven Kang explained that when arranging, it’s best to start
with bass line because it is the blueprint of the song. Kang dubs
the melody from the original version but he also adds his own
unique flavor to help complement a soloist.
LSA freshman Lauren Dickerson found out about 58 Greene during A
Capella Rush, an event that takes place at the beginning of the
school year, where a capella groups persuade new people to join.
She remembers, “(58 Greene) were the first group to sing, and
I was blown away by their rendition of En Vogue’s ‘Don’t Let
Go.’ Not only were their harmonies tight, but they rocked to
the beat, and they made eye contact with each other as well as the
audience.” Dickerson knew then that 58 Greene would be on her
list of a capella groups she would try out for.
The audition process is handled in three stages. The first stage
involves singing various parts of songs while the group evaluates
one’s flexibility as a singer. The second stage is a
projection exercise, in which those auditioning have to sing a
portion of a song as loud as they can. The final stage is called a
vocal percussion exercise, in which the group tests one’s
imitation of a percussion instrument. After you audition, a knock
on the door seals induction into the group. The hard work of
‘flexing,’ projecting and ‘perc-ing’
followed by the group’s serenade, officially inducts a member
of 58 Greene.
Members of the group describe the ‘greenie’
experience several different ways. The group works hard to maintain
its vocal harmonies. “It’s like magic when we hit that
note,” said Kang referring to any pitch that accurately
completes a chord.
The group is comprised of various ethnic backgrounds said alum
and musical director Anthony Suzara, “diversity in music and
people inspires us and makes us different from other singing groups
around campus.”
Khanna notes that the group is so tight-knit because, “We
set the bar for each other because we are all so individually,
uniquely talented, and to see all that talent is inspiration in
itself.”
The group provides a family atmosphere for its members.
Dickerson explains “Since I’m so far from my blood relatives,
it’s a great feeling to have 19 other people who I know have my
back. They are fun to be around.” In order to keep this
tight-knit bond, members go on retreats and host social
gatherings.
In a decade, this group has evolved into a well-respected blend
of voices, music and friendship. A vision inspired by a group of
friends in East Quad is now an established vocal chorale of 20 that
was 10 years in the making.