BY CHLOE CAMPBELL

In Fall 2018, I was a sophomore who had just transferred into the Honors Program, I was very confused as to what “Hume” was, and I was looking for some way to get involved in the Honors community. Enter Honor Chords: the Honors Acapella group. When Honor Chords performed at the Student Honors Organization back-to-school barbeque last fall, I was amazed at the level of talent and effort these students put into performing for the new Honors members. Since I first learned to talk I loved to sing, everything from Disney songs, pop songs on the radio, and songs from Broadway musicals. I thought I would give this acapella group a try and, looking back, I’m so thankful I did.

Sanjana Bhargava, a third-year microbiology and cell science major, is the current president of Honor Chords. She has been a member of the club since it first began in Fall 2016, when a group of Honor students turned an Honors Uncommon Arts class into their own acapella group.

“We are a non-audition open-access group for anyone who just loves to sing, whether that’s singing in the shower, singing in the car with the radio, or people who have had practice in choirs,” Bhargava said.

The club was originally pitched as a singing group for Broadway songs, which were very popular at the time due to the debut of “Hamilton: An American Musical” in August 2015. Since then, the club has evolved into “an inclusive environment for Honors students to have a good time, make good friends, and sing,” says Bhargava.

Bhargava’s favorite memory from her time with Honor Chords happened after the 2018 Honors Spring Banquet. The Honor Chords’ spring performance took place at the Cade Museum and the group performed a medley of 60s and 70s music including “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. The next night, the group had an international-themed party to celebrate their success, featuring board games and food dishes from all around the world. Bhargava recalls the sense of community as being the best part of the night.

The Honor Chords will return to perform at the 2019 Honors Spring Banquet with a special surprise. This year, their lineup will feature performances by small groups in addition to the large group songs where all of the members perform. Bhargava reveals that the small groups will perform songs spanning many genres of music including the golden oldies, classics, and even modern pop.

For those interested in joining Honor Chords, Bhargava says that it is one of the best opportunities to get to know others in the Honors community. The club focuses on creating close and lasting relationships with Honors students who all share a love for singing.

“I usually joke that almost all my friends are in Honor Chords but it’s quite true,” Bhargava laughed.

I encourage everyone to check out Honor Chords at the Honors Spring Banquet, which will take place on April 2, 2019 at the Cade Museum. This group, with songs as diverse as their members, will certainly give a performance you won’t want to miss.