UNC a cappella groups rely on money for CDs, concerts

Singing a pop song in four-part harmony costs a lot of money.

Concerts and CD recording fees can run up to $15,000.

But for some of UNC’s a cappella groups, money is just a part of making music.

From the Sunset Serenade to the General Alumni Association’s Holiday Concert, these groups are a mainstay of student life.

The Clef Hangers — in their iconic bow ties and vests — and the Loreleis have a sponsorship with the GAA, but also rely heavily on concert revenue for funding.

Adam Brawley, president of the Clef Hangers, said the GAA provides the group with an expense account for making copies of music, posters and publishing materials.

The GAA also provides the Clefs with practice space, a full-time staff adviser and CD processing aid.

“We are extraordinarily grateful for their support,” Brawley said.

Nina Gandhi, business manager of the Loreleis, said Kat Butler, the GAA’s coordinator of student programs, meets with the group to provide support.

“Butler is a huge help with providing business strategies,” said Hannah Jones, president of the Loreleis.

These business strategies include how to best profit from concerts.

“Our most profitable ventures are our ticketed concerts on and off campus,” Brawley said.

The Achordants, Tar Heel Voices and Psalm100 also rely on their concert revenues to fund their travels and CD production.

And while there are many other talented a cappella groups on campus, these organizations are among those with higher operating budgets.

“We mostly fund ourselves through ticket and CD sales,” said Ben Phillis, president of the Achordants.

In order to stay financially sound, Tar Heel Voices also charges a $25 student membership each year, said group president Josh Quinones.

The Tar Heel Voices has sponsors who pay for the upkeep of its web site and a stipend of roughly $100 each month, Quinones said.

“We have been fortunate enough where we haven’t been in a financial situation that has necessitated any further fundraising,” Quinones said.

The Clef Hangers, Loreleis, Tar Heel Voices and the Achordants also make money from performances off campus, while Psalm100 focuses on on campus performances.

“One of the core values of our group is serving others, and we want to reflect that in the gigs we perform,” said Katie Terry, general director of Psalm100. “We are committed to loving our campus.”

All of the groups perform at charity events for free.

And while the methods of funding and overall goals are different, each group has a similar philosophy.

“We love what we do, but we also work very hard,” said Jason Perfetto, a member of the Clef Hangers.

Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.