Contemporary A Cappella Society of America

Contemporary A Cappella Society of America. The Contemporary A Cappella Society of America is the central nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and advancing the art of contemporary a cappella music across North America and beyond. Founded in the early 1990s, it serves as a vital hub for singers, groups, educators, and enthusiasts, providing resources, advocacy, and community. Through its extensive programs and events, it has played a pivotal role in the growth and professionalization of the modern a cappella movement.

History and founding

The organization was established in 1991 by pioneering figures Deke Sharon and Lisa Forkish, emerging from the vibrant collegiate a cappella scene of the late 1980s. Its creation was a direct response to the burgeoning popularity of groups like the Yale Whiffenpoofs and the Tufts Beelzebubs, which signaled a need for a unifying national entity. Early efforts were centered in the San Francisco Bay Area, leveraging the energy of the West Coast A Cappella Summit. The society's founding coincided with the rise of influential ensembles such as The House Jacks and Rockapella, helping to codify a new genre distinct from traditional barbershop music or choral music.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to promote, support, and elevate contemporary a cappella through education, networking, and performance opportunities. Key activities include publishing the definitive resource guide, the A Cappella Sourcebook, and maintaining comprehensive online directories for groups and arrangers. It actively supports music education through workshops and clinics, often in partnership with institutions like the National Association for Music Education. The society also advocates for the genre within the broader music industry, engaging with organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Grammy Awards process to increase visibility and legitimacy.

Organizational structure

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of prominent artists and educators, the society operates with a small professional staff led by an Executive Director. It functions as a member-based organization, with constituencies including individual singers, performing groups, and business affiliates. Strategic committees oversee areas such as education, awards, and events, drawing on the expertise of leaders from groups like Pentatonix and Straight No Chaser. The structure is designed to be a collaborative network, connecting local chapters at universities like the University of Michigan and University of North Carolina with the national office.

Notable events and programs

Its flagship event is the annual Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards, known as the CARAs, which honor excellence in recorded a cappella. Another major initiative is the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, founded by Deke Sharon, which it now oversees alongside Varsity Vocals. The society also organizes the A Cappella Festival at the University of Pennsylvania and regional summits like the SoJam A Cappella Festival in North Carolina. Additional key programs include the A Cappella Community Awards for service and the Women's A Cappella Association initiatives, fostering diversity within the field.

Impact and recognition

The society's impact is evident in the global proliferation of a cappella, underscored by the mainstream success of acts like Pentatonix on The Sing-Off and in Las Vegas. It has been instrumental in professionalizing the genre, creating career pathways for arrangers, producers, and performers. Its educational resources are used worldwide, influencing curricula from high school programs to universities like the Berklee College of Music. The organization's advocacy was recognized with a special citation from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers for its contributions to vocal music, cementing its role as the genre's essential institutional backbone.

Category:Musical organizations based in the United States Category:A cappella music Category:Non-profit organizations based in California Category:Music education organizations