Johnnie Blend and CSBeats end the year strong

Reminiscent of Pitch Perfect’s Bellas and Treblemakers, acapella groups CSBeats and Johnnie Blend are quite the rage on campus.

While CSBeats consists of all females and Johnnie Blend consists of all males, both are clubs made for passionate students who love to sing.

Johnnie Blend currently has twelve members with each class represented.

Senior Benjamin Richards has been a member since his first year, where his older sister’s love for the club inspired him to join. Since then, he has enjoyed the opportunity to hang out with other people that share a mutual interest in singing.

“I’m in it to make something wonderful a reality,” Richards said.

While there is no official president of Johnnie Blend, Richards describes himself as the “dad” of the group, both for his membership longevity and the versatility of his singing voice.

He can go from Bass 2, the lowest tone, to Tenor 1, the highest: all of which he utilizes in song.

Richards reckons that Johnnie Blend has been going on since the early 2000s.

During the beginning of COVID times, the group had a lot of off-campus practices and informal auditions, making adjustments multiple times to make sure everyone was comfortable. Richards worked hard to preserve the group.

“I didn’t want it to die,” he said.

With restrictions loosening, rehearsals have become easier. Much of rehearsal is geared towards making a quality, cohesive sound—similar to the “Blend Test” that is performed at auditions.

Richards describes this as a test to see if the prospective member’s voice matches well with all the current members.

As for the material, popular songs from the 70s and 80s, as well as current pop hits such as “Magic” by B.o.B and “Roxanne” by Arizona Zervas, are usual choices for the group.

CSBeats has similar song arrangements, with songs like “Toxic” by Britney Spears and hits from Olivia Rodrigo—basically, songs on the radio where compositions are available.

Their formation is more recent, with roommates Anna Muller (‘18) and Ellie Hinrichs (‘18) creating it in 2015 after a summer of planning.

In 2022, Muller’s sister—junior Emma Muller—continues as an alto member of CSBeats. Paige Barfknecht, a fifth-year member, said she joined because she liked to sing, and while she likes the campus choir, she wanted a group where the songs are less traditional.

Additionally, senior Laura Mitch joined because she had always fantasized about joining an acapella group.

Mitch said that they usually begin rehearsals with a “question of the day,” something to “get that goofy energy out.” Then, they break off to do sectionals and work on dynamics.

CSBeats doesn’t have an official president either, but they do have a board of executive members consisting of Lizbet Martinez, Lizzy Pouliot, Maggie Blaska and Annabell Schreier.

“They take on the managing aspects of the group—planning concerts, finding musical arrangements, scheduling practices…the nitty gritty stuff,” Mitch said.

Barfknecht, who is a nursing major, cited CSBeats as a great creative outlet.

She enjoys its expressive nature, as well as the girls themselves, who are an energetic, silly bunch.

“They make me laugh harder than anybody,” Barfknecht said.

Richards, Barfknecht and Mitch all feel bittersweet about their last performances in Johnnie Blend and CSBeats.

While hard to say goodbye to, they also look forward to the progress they’ve made.

“This semester alone, we have learned five new songs, not to mention the newer members, who have also learned all the songs from previous years,” Mitch said.

Johnnies or Bennies who are interested in joining either group should look for auditions hosted at the beginning of the semester; Johnnie Blend, in particular, is in need of a beatboxer/vocal percussionist.

Both groups will be graduating several seniors and eagerly await new members.

As for performances, look for Johnnie Blend at The La at 8 p.m. this Saturday, and CSBeats at the BAC Outdoor Amphitheater at 6 p.m. this Sunday.