On the evening before the start of classes, UNC's a capella scene took the stage, marking the end of summer.
Sunset Serenade, hosted by UNC Student Alumni Association, brought large crowds to Polk Place to hear music from student groups Monday evening.
The event, which is a part of UNC's Week of Welcome, is an annual concert that showcases student a cappella groups. Normally, the event includes just a few groups; however, the presidents of the music groups came together to ensure that all 10 a cappella groups would be represented this year for the first time ever.
The lineup included the Clef Hangers, Tarpeggios, Cadence, Tar Heel Voices, Saama, Achordants, Psalm 100, Harmonyx, Walk Ons and Loreleis.
Elizabeth Jackson, the president of Tar Heel Voices, said Sunset Serenade is an event meant to help students come together to relax and socialize before classes start.
“It’s so much fun to get up on stage and see so much of the UNC community and see all the support we have for a cappella,” Jackson said. “It helps us get out the word about auditions and helps first-years and upperclassmen get together and appreciate UNC and everything it has to offer.”
In addition to bringing the community together, Sunset Serenade is a way to introduce new students to all of the a cappella groups before auditions begin.
The president of the Loreleis, Olivia Dunn, said the event is what prompted her to audition for the group her first semester at Carolina. She said she hopes she can have the same impact on new students that she experienced her first year.
"This event is probably the most important for me just because it was the first time I saw the Loreleis," Dunn said. "I remember sitting in the crowd, being a brand new student at Carolina, and just thinking, 'Wow, I would give anything to be a part of that group.' It holds a special place in my heart, for sure."
