Why Should You Be A Nassoon?
When it comes time for audition season, it's not just about a group choosing you - it's about you choosing a group. There are countless reasons why some of the best singers on campus have chosen the Nassoons, and they're different for everyone. We're confident that you'll love being a Nassoon, but it's up to you to decide for yourself. So read below about 5 reasons to join the 'Soons.
We are now entering our third year of having removed our “all-male” language that has been in place since our founding in 1941, and hold auditions for low-voice (TTBB*) singers of all identities. We are committed to selecting members based on their voice, passions, and willingness to contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment where all members can thrive.
*TTBB stands for Tenor I, Tenor II, Baritone, and Bass, though we’re all somewhere in between most of the time. If you can sing at least an octave below middle C—a C3, for those keeping track at home—your vocal range is a good match for our repertoire. If you’re unsure, we’d encourage an audition anyway. We’d love to meet you!
Reason #1: The PEOPLE
Any 'Soon past or present will tell you that the best part about singing with the Nassoons is the community you build with the rest of the members. Generations of good people have attracted more of the same, and the result is a group that is just fun to be around (or in). The social aspect of the group is as much a part of your life as you choose, but many current members count Nassoons among their closest friends.
Reason #3: The Tours
As a Nassoon, you'll get a chance to travel around the world, entertaining in countless venues, everything from having dinner with the American Consul to signing autographs for adoring schoolchildren. Tours are once-in-a-lifetime chances to see the world, and because we pay for our tours with our shows, it won't cost you a cent.
In the past few years, we have taken trips to London, Miami, Charleston, Munich, Liechtenstein, Cancun, Singapore, and Los Angeles, to name a few. Every tour is filled with unbelievable opportunities that you can't really get anywhere else. In the past we’ve sung and had dinner and drinks with the Royal Family of Liechtenstein and sung for the inaugural dinner for the Lord Mayor of London. The thing that makes the Nassoons special is that these amazing opportunities, like singing for royalty, won't cost you a dime (read: it’s free). We do our best to make sure that all group activities are accessible as possible. This means performance attire, travel, etc. are all paid for.
Reason #2: The Music
If you've ever followed three or more Nassoons into a stairwell, or been inside one of our cars when "Love On Top" comes on, you would find it safe to say that the Nassoons are all about the music. As one of the oldest collegiate singing groups in the country, we have some of the finest arrangements (old and new!) on Princeton's campus. If you would like to hear some samples or watch some recent music videos, check them out here. You'll see there that the repertoire spans everything from 'NSYNC to a Nassoon original about Princeton's amazing financial aid policy— (a policy that enables many of us to even be here!)
Reason #4: The Tradition
The Nassoons were Princeton's first a cappella group when they were founded in 1941, and only the fourth in the nation. Now there are hundreds of a cappella groups across the country, but the Nassoons' rich history still distinguishes them from the rest. The Nassoons have hundreds of alumni who are still proud to call themselves Nassoons, even decades after graduation.
The Nassoons have new arrangements emerging every year, keeping the repertoire alive and moving. But some pieces have stayed as staples of the repertoire since the group's founding. The feeling of standing next to someone in the class of 1942 and singing the same song is one that no other Princeton group can boast.
Reason #5: The Perks
Whether it means never paying for domestic and international tours, singing for celebrities like Mark Hoppus and Gustavo Dudamel, being treated like royalty at the Homestead Resort, or starring in a Hollywood movie alongside Tina Fey, the perks of being a Nassoon have no end in sight.
Try out this audition season and see for yourself all of the amazing experiences you won't get anywhere else. We think you'll be glad you did!