FAQ
Auditioning for Staam
Sign up for an audition!
Staam was founded as a group of friends who loved to sing. The name “Staam” is Hebrew slang for “Just because,” which explains our philosophy behind singing—to have a good time!
We love to perform English and Hebrew popular music all over the country!
How does Staam compare to all of WashU’s other a cappella groups?
Every a cappella group at WashU will tell you that being part of the a cappella community is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. Every a cappella group is a close group of amazing friends that all have their own inside jokes and fantastic memories. We could tell you that Staam was one of only three a cappella groups from WashU that recently qualified for the ICCA quarterfinals, and that we won best arrangement this year at the 1st Jewish ICCA, Kol HaOlam. Or that our Jewish-based repertoire provides opportunities to develop friendships throughout the Jewish community in addition to those from the general a cappella community. But in the end, it is mainly the group dynamic and unique chemistry that set each group apart. Come say hi to us at our performances and sign up for an audition to get to know us better!
In 2011, Staam competed in the 1st annual National Collegiate Jewish A cappella Competition, Kol HaOlam, and won BEST ARRANGEMENT for the tri-lingual, original song, Hunger, written and arranged by Sarah!
Here are a few selections from our fall concert Staamikah Hanukkah and our spring concert Naked Voices:
Staamikah Hanukkah '12: Big Yellow Taxi
Staamikah Hanukkah '12: Perfect
Naked Voices 09: Grove of Eukalyptus
Take a look at our a cappella cover of Margish Acher (from our newest CD) matched to the original music video:
Also, you absolutely must listen to our newest and most totally awesome CD: Tree Of Life
What do Staamers do in their free time?
Sing on street corners.
Sing at wedding parties.
Check out the youtube links below of Staam at ICCA 2010 Quarterfinals!:
ICCA Song 1: That Thing You Do
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Why Staam?
Mainly, Staam is tons of fun. Whether you are Jewish or not, hasidic or reform, religious or secular, there will always be a place for you in Staam, as we are a melting pot of different religions, denominations, and ethnicities. Everyone's unique personality contributes to making us WashU’s most eclectic and eccentric a cappella group. This leads to an enormous amount of random adventures, retreats, and Staam Shabbats - which is when we all spend the night at one of our apartments to eat, schmooze, sing at the top of our lungs, and grow even closer as a group.
What types of songs do you sing?
The arrangers of our group come up with some pretty awesome arrangements of many genres. Our repertoire ranges from Israeli pop songs and other Hebrew songs to any contemporary song written by a Jewish artist or just any song translated in Hebrew. Here is our repertoire from the past few years.
What should I expect at auditions?
We know auditions can be a nerve-racking process, so we make them as painless and relaxed as possible! First, we’ll have you go through some scales and other vocal warm-ups. Then there will be a few rhythm exercises and some sight-singing. Finally, we’d love to hear you show off your voice by singing a chorus and verse from any song of your choice.
When are auditions and where can I sign up??
Auditions are Thursday, September 1st through Sunday, September 4th. If you take a look at our calendar, you’ll be able to find plenty of opportunities to see us perform, meet us, and sign up for an audition. If you’re still wondering about the auditions process, check out http://acac.wustl.edu. And if you have any remaining questions, feel free to send an email to our Auditions Chair, Ryan Ackerman, at r.ackerman@wustl.edu.
See you at auditions!