Mezumenet A Cappella / Volume 1, Issue 1

High Notes
The Official Newsletter of Mezumenet

Mezumenet recruits four new members at fall auditions

Mezumenet welcomed four new members during the fall 2017 semester.
Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Broth.
At 5 a.m. most University of Maryland students are sleeping
soundly. Mezumenet women are not most UMD students. As
the sun rose on Sept. 19, the women of Mezumenet rushed
around campus cheering and singing.
Several hours earlier, the universitys all-female, Jewish
a cappella group held its biannual auditions in the Clarice
Smith Performing Arts Center.
After hours spent deliberating 18 contenders, Mezumenets
eight members voted unanimously to accept four new
vocalists into the group, increasing its size by 50 percent.
The group informed new members of their acceptance by
knocking on their doors and singing a personalized song
inviting them to join Mezumenet.
Every newbie gets to wake up to us singing, I dont know
what you heard but you are part of Mezumenet too, senior
group member Natalia Jaffee said. Its a group tradition.
First Mezumenet welcomed freshmen Rachel Shovmer,
Rachel Zaff and Pooja Swaminathan. All three girls hugged
the group members and eagerly accepted their invitations to
join Mezumenet.
As the night came to an end, the members of Mezumenet
banged on freshman Siri Doddis door. Knocking six times
and receiving no answer, the group dejectedly trudged
back outside.
After several moments of debate, the eight women found
a solution to prevent Doddi from missing out on the
Mezumenets induction tradition. Singing into one of their
iPhones, the group members texted Doddi a video of her
personalized welcome jingle.
Since joining Mezumenet, the groups newest members
have worked day and night to learn a multitude of English
pop songs, Hebrew melodies and parodies.
Having 12 members has brought more energy and
a much fuller sound to the group, music director Jenna
Marcus said. Our audience isnt going to know what hit
them this semester.
In This Issue
Mezumenet recruits four new members..........1
Meet the Mezumenet leadership board............2
Mezumenet performs at Hillel...........................3
Monthly Mez member spotlight........................3
Components of a great a cappella group..........4
How to nail your audition..................................4
Meet the Mezumenet leadership board

Jocelyn Broth
president, public relations manager
Jocelyn is a junior communication major on the public relations track. She was
raised in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Beth Tfiloh High School
before coming to the University of Maryland. Jocelyn joined Mezumenet
as a freshman in September 2015 and sings alto II. When she is not singing,
she loves to draw, play softball and swim. (Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Broth.)

Jenna Marcus
music director
Jenna is a junior mechanical engineering major. She grew up in Baltimore,
Maryland and graduated from Gerstell Academy in Finksburg, Maryland
before starting college at the University of Maryland. Jenna joined Mezumenet
in September 2015 and sings alto I. In her free time, she loves playing piano,
spending time outdoors and programming. (Photo courtesy of Jenna Marcus.)

Rebecca Elspas
business manager
Rebecca is a sophomore public health science major. She grew up in Los Angeles,
California and attended Shalhevet High School. Before coming to the University
of Maryland, she spent a year at Tiferet Seminary in Israel. Rebecca joined
Mezumenet in September 2016 and sings soprano I. In her spare time, she enjoys
horseback riding, biking and public speaking. (Photo courtesy of Rebecca Elspas.)

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Mezumenet performs at Hillel a cappella showcase
On Nov. 3 and Nov. 4, Maryland Hillel held its annual A Cappella
Family Weekend, which ended with an a cappella showcase at the
University of Marylands Memorial Chapel. Hundreds of Jewish
students and their relatives gathered to watch Mezumenet perform
alongside co-ed a cappella groups Rak Shalom and Kol Sasson.
Kol Sasson opened the show, singing four songs arranged by music
director Scott Kaplowitz.
After the groups performance, Rabbi Ari Israel announced
Mezumenet, the only all-female act of the evening. Mezumenet debuts a new parody during Hillels annual
Mezumenets set began with Warrior, originally performed by family weekend. Photo courtesy of Maryland Hillel.
Demi Lovato. a parody of Be Our Guest from Beauty and
That was the first time we performed Warrior for such a big the Beast. The parody features soloist Delaney
audience, so I was nervous, but I think they loved it, group member Crabtree, who portrays a guest desperate to leave
Gabriella Epstein said. a Sabbath meal as group members beg her to stay.
The group then debuted Sam Tabaat Aleha, a Hebrew song by Following Mezumenet, Rak Shalom closed the
Dudu Aharon. Music director Jenna Marcus arranged the song, show to thunderous applause.
weaving Ed Sheerans Shape of You into the background parts. All the groups were amazing, but the new Mez
Following this song, Mezumenet performed BaLayla by Israeli parody was by far my favorite part of the whole
artist Idan Raichel. Audience members clapped along as senior night audience member Josh Bloch said.
Natalia Jaffee sang the solo. Mezumenet will next perform on Dec. 3 in Van
Mezumenet closed its set with another new song, Let Us Bench, Munching Hall for the groups winter concert.

Monthly Mez member spotlight: Delaney Crabtree

Crabtree traveled to Seoul, South Korea during the spring
2017 semester. Photo courtesy of Delaney Crabtree.
Delaney Crabtree is a junior criminal justice
major and sings soprano in Mezumenet.
Q: What made you want to join Mezumenet?
A: I tried out for many groups, but when I
discovered Mezumenet they were the nicest girls I had met in a long
time. I fell in love with the people in this group, so joining Mezumenet
was an easy decision for me.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being in Mezumenet?
A: My favorite parts have been the people I have met and the Mez
meal we have every semester. I cant think of a better occasion when
I can sing, drink, eat and have fun with friends all at the same time.
Q: Tell me about your study abroad experience last semester.
A: I went to Seoul, South Korea. It was a great experience for me to
learn about cultures outside my own bubble. I loved the people and
the food. I really miss it, and I hope to live there someday.
Q: How did your experience in South Korea help you grow?
A: My experience in Korea taught me different ways to communicate
with people, especially with language barriers. I also learned so much
about cultural differences, and I handle problems in a better way now.

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 How to nail your audition
With next semesters Mezumenet auditions around
the corner, you can never have enough practice. On Feb.
6, the women of Mezumenet will assess contenders on
four aspects of their auditions.
Scales
First, music director Jenna Marcus will ask you to sing
two sets of scales at the piano. This exercise determines
your vocal range and allows the group to determine
which vocal part best suits your voice.
Pitch matching
In this portion of the audition, a Mezumenet member
will play three sets of three notes on the piano and ask
you to sing them without looking at the piano. This
allows the group to evaluate your ability to match pitch.
Solo song
Before auditioning, prepare a verse and chorus of a
song that best showcases your voice. This part of the
audition allows you to show off your tone and range.
Attitude
Lastly, Mezumenet wants to get to know you. For the
best first impression, arrive with a smile and a positive
attitude. Having fun at your audition will allow you to let
your personality shine.
For more information about Mezumenet auditions,
check out the groups Facebook page.

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