Minnesota State Mankato’s 'Maverick Vocal Precision' Wins SingStrongNY A Cappella Competition
MANKATO, Minn. - Minnesota State University, Mankato’s a cappella ensemble, Maverick Vocal Precision, caught the attention of the world as the group won the Feb. 8-10 “Aca-Idol” competition at the 2019 SingStrongNY a Cappella Festival at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Garden City, N.Y.
Maverick Vocal Precision received comments from the following Aca-Idol judges: “Awesome program,” “Incredible depth of soloists,” and “Well polished throughout.” In addition to winning the competition, Maverick Vocal Precision received the award for “Audience Favorite” (through audience voting) and a $1,000 prize.
The SingStrongNY Festival included performances by professional and student a cappella ensembles representing a broad range of musical genres and cultures from around the world. Leading a cappella clinicians provided sessions ranging from beatboxing to solo singing, social media and how to create your own music videos. Proceeds from the SingStrong Festival went to the “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.”
In addition to their competition performance, Maverick Vocal Precision was featured in a “Spotlight Showcase,” and received a private coaching session with Diana Preisler, star of the Lifetime TV a cappella show, Pitch Slapped. Following the festival, the group had a recording session in Manhattan with vocalist/recording engineer Andrew Kim. Kim is a member of the New York City based singing group Iris, winners of the 2018 International A Cappella Open Championship that took place at Carnegie Hall.
Maverick Vocal Precision is directed by music professors Douglas Snapp and Stephanie Thorpe, who combine their backgrounds in jazz, voice, and contemporary styles. The Minnesota State Mankato Music Department is one of the few programs in the United States to offer a cappella ensembles as part of their regular music curriculum. Many Minnesota State Mankato music students have gone on to successful careers in film, television, Broadway shows, and professional touring ensembles.
