Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Student Organization Spotlight: uKnighted

Photo+Courtesy+uKnighted
Photo Courtesy uKnighted

The men’s a capella vocal ensemble, uKnighted, was started by Aaron Polet, Kelvyn Koning and Paul Griffioen in September of 2014. As a brand new organization, leaders worked to develop an ensemble that produces diverse and God-glorifying music for Calvin and the surrounding community. While practicing and polishing this music, students also grow as musicians and performers. Since their start only a year and a half ago, they have experienced great success.

Griffioen listed among their successes their opportunity to open for both The Filharmonic and Home Free, two well known men’s a cappella groups who gained fame through popularity on NBC’s television show “The Sing-Off.” After receiving a standing ovation for their performance at the Home Free concert, they were excited to listen to the famous group.

“I especially loved listening to their bass, Tim Foust,” Griffioen said. “He shook the entire auditorium with his ridiculously low voice.” The group hopes to likewise inspire their own listeners with musical precision and God-given talent.

Already this year, uKnighted sang at the Named Scholarship Dinner, the Calvin-Hope rivalry game and Calvin’s improv show. They look forward to new and exciting chances to display the group’s talent this semester. On April 2, they will compete against other talented musicians in Calvin’s Got Talent. The group is also performing the national snthem at a West Michigan Whitecaps game on April 10, a concert series at Park Congregational Church on April 26 and the Honors Convocation on April 27. Their last event of the year will be their Spring Concert, held on May 11 and 13.

The group strives to maintain a high quality sound despite their surprisingly low rehearsal time of 2 hours per week. With such little rehearsal time, the 12-16 members are expected to attend every rehearsal. Together, they strive for unified tone over a wide variety of musical styles. To assist in this unified tone, the group holds auditions at the beginning of each semester, seeking members with sight-reading ability, stage presence, a wide vocal range and a specific voice timbre.

To get involved with uKnighted, ask questions or find out more about their upcoming performances, email [email protected] or message the uKnighted Facebook page.

 

 

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