College Singers Make a Difference Josh Groban’s Acapella Mastery Hits New Heights
Whether it’s the vocalists’ ability to engage the audience or the lack of instrumentation emphasizing the lyrics, a well-executed acapella song may add dimension to any music. This is particularly true for Brigham Young University’s (BYU) Vocal Point’s acapella performance of Josh Groban’s 2003 hit song, “You Raise Me Up.” This uplifting song is given new life by their rendition.
Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander, two BYU students, formed the nine-piece acapella group BYU Vocal Point in 1991. The band quickly became well-known on campus after their first performance sold out.
The Rise of BYU Vocal Point to Fame at Acapella
BYU Vocal Point has received many honors since its founding, including placing sixth in the third season of NBC’s The Sing-Off. Their social media announcement of a record agreement with Decca Gold, the classical label of Universal Music Group, in December 2018 further acknowledged their brilliance. “We’re just regular college students doing extraordinary things,” thought member Jason Bromley.
The Music Video for “You Raise Me Up”: A Beautiful Vocal Adventure
The breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys serves as the backdrop for the music video for “You Raise Me Up.” It begins with a single, distinct voice that is quickly joined in harmony by another, creating a rich, multi-layered sound. The group’s vocals are clear and bright, and they are accompanied with striking percussion noises produced vocally.
The vocalists’ performance of the song becomes an immersive experience as they travel across the mountainous terrain. The setting’s almost tangible serenity demonstrates how music has the ability to take listeners to new places.
A Harmonious and Distinct Rendition
Because of the smooth blending of the vocalists’ harmonies, it is challenging to identify the lead singers. Rather than merely copying the original, their rendition of this frequently covered song is rather unique. They create a new hook towards the end that improves the harmonies, and they inject the song with their distinct style and arrangement. A choir of extra pupils supports the finale, which results in an incredibly impactful ending.
BYU Vocal Point’s outstanding rendition of “You Raise Me Up” is sure to become a favorite. Relax and take in this inspiring and one-of-a-kind show.
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