Clef Hangers is the first mixed vocal a cappella group at Illinois State University founded in August 2008 by a small group of ambitious students who shared a passion for a cappella music. Since its formation, the group has lost and gained various members, each of whom has helped make the group what it is today.
Clef Hangers is a performance ensemble consisting of male and female voices. We currently have three or four voices on each part (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass/baritone) and a beat boxer. The Clef Hangers is open to all majors, and auditions take place on a semester by semester basis.
We typically rehearse three days a week for two hours each time. These rehearsals are crucial meeting times for the group to reconnect and to produce a cohesive sound with a high-caliber of musicality. Rehearsals are primarily run by a music director, but collective input definitely plays a part in final performance decisions.
New repertoire is chosen by current group members every semester. Selections generally showcase the wide range of musical interests of the group and are voted on by everyone. Most of our past music has been arranged by current or graduated members of the Clef Hanger family. We average between ten and fifteen performances per semester, and perform our own concerts free of charge to the university and community.
Clef Hangers has performed at The American Red Cross Banquet, Relay for Life, College Mentors for Kids, Christmas Open House in uptown Normal, the Festival of Trees in Bloomington, the Alumni Center, "You Can Do ISU" for potential future ISU students, Dorm Kickoffs, ISU Basketball games, and other events in the Bloomington-Normal area. Stay updated with future Clef Hanger events here!
The mission of the ISU Clef Hangers is to provide an open environment for students who wish to pursue musical excellence and form lasting relationships within the collegiate a cappella community.
Values
Family, community, love, dedication, and excellence.
Objectives
Clef Hangers' objectives are to provide an opportunity for its members to develop vocal, leadership, arranging, performance, business, and organizing skills. Our goal is to share our passion for music with students at the University level, members of local communities, high school students throughout the Midwest, and their audiences.