One Note Stands brings the popular musical form to the university.
by JARED CRAIG
UNO Social Media and Digital Engagement Manager
The sounds of singing and beatboxing echoed through Strauss Performing Arts Center late at night. Students filled a classroom, decked out with microphones, speakers and a piano.
It didn’t take them long before they started to sing and dance again, despite taking a break during rehearsal between musical numbers. They just wanted to continue singing, knowing they were creating something special.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is home to a new a cappella student organization, One Note Stands, which was created this spring and is the only of its kind.
One Note Stands hosted a Spring Show, an end-of-school-year celebration based on the hit workplace comedy The Office at Strauss Performing Arts Center in the Concert Hall.
Mary Mancuso, president of One Note Stands, said the group began with just four students at the start of the semester. But after an Instagram post announcing its creation gained traction, auditions were held, and membership grew.
“When several of us had the idea to start this group at UNO, I was so excited to be involved,” she said. “It’s amazing that people are able to make music with just their voices.”
Many members, like Mancuso, had experience in a cappella during high school. Others, like Lucas Good, were drawn to the musical style and went to audition.
“Being part of the group has meant the world to me,” Mancuso said. “We all have a passion for music, and it’s made rehearsals something I look forward to every week.”
Since its creation, the group has performed in a regional competition affiliated with the International Championship of Collegiate Acapella, an annual gathering made popular by the movie “Pitch Perfect.”
In the future, the group plans to continue competing against other collegiate groups and booking time in a studio to record music. In the meantime, the group’s The Office-themed Spring Show will feature all the songs from the year and perhaps mustard-colored shirts worthy of Dwight Schrute.
