Sing it out.

PRACTICE PERFECTS PERFORMANCE

Take It SLO is a Cal Poly a cappella group. For years, they have performed various shows on campus for small audience. This year, the group was selected to perform in the prestigious Los Angeles A Cappella Festival, or LAAF. Click to scroll through the photos below to see how Take It SLO members prepped for the competition during a final dress rehearsal.

Places, everyone- Members of Cal Poly a cappella group “Take It SLO” take a moment of stillness before conjuring their theatrical energy. The group has been selected to participate in the prestigious Los Angeles A Cappella Festival (LAAF). The competition is days away. San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. Vocal workout- In need of a mirrored rehearsal space, “Take It SLO” takes over a studio in the Cal Poly recreation center. San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. Reliant no more- The group is now confident in their memorized choreography, but the new space reveals potential spatial obstacles. San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. Creative contemplation- Journalism senior and dance coordinator Leah Horner makes last minute adjustments to the choreography. San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. Feel yourself- “Take It SLO” members encourage each other to give it their all. Journalism freshman Shanti Herzog strikes a pose while getting into character for her solo in “Love on the Brain.” San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. In sync, in step- Execution of clean choreography is integral to the group’s success in the competition. Among other things, LAAF competitors are judged on creativity, song choice, professionalism, energy and choreography. San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. Standout songster- English junior Jared Noche creates an improvised microphone with his first to replicate a stage environment. Although it is his first year in the group, he was selected to be one of two soloists for the first round of the competition. San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. Visualize success- The group lines up for some motivation. Environmental earth and soil sciences sophomore Mikaela McGill (right) had a great deal of input to the choreography of what a wonderful world and other songs. San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. Round two rework- A supporter films the group so they can go back and correct documented mistakes. San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. Pragmatic Perfection- Taking directional lead, Horner points out areas to improve. “Let’s run that one more time, to prove it wasn’t a fluke,” Leah said after a successful run through of “Lonely.” San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017. Go time- With only one more rehearsal before LAAF, the team is near ready for performance-battle. San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monday, January 30, 2017.

WATCH

In a cappella, sopranos create a high tone, while altos provide a stronger, deeper tone. Journalism senior Leah Horner does both. Watch the video to see the "sopralto" Take It SLO member sing "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele.

VOCAL CONNECTION

Listening to a cappella songsters belt out their favorite melodies is a lot more compelling when they feel connected to the lyrics. Hover over the icons and click to play the videos to hear from three Take It SLO members about what makes them drawn to their favorite song.

A CAPPELLA FESTIVALS

For avid a cappella fans, being amongst other lyric-loving songsters is the ultimate high. Check out the image below for information on three major a cappella festivals in the United States.

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Lyric-Loving Songsters.