Using only their voices, this group harmonizes with one another in a way that leaves the audience in awe. They’re like the groups seen in Pitch Perfect, but better. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, Kent State has our very own accapella group on campus, the Kent Clarks. The Kent Clarks got its start in the spring of 2011 by a Graduate student, Stephen Cox, and have been singing their hearts out ever since. Last month I had the opportunity to sit down with Kent Clarks and interview them. This was shortly after they had received word they would be traveling to Washington D.C. to sing at the White House. Many of our questions were revolved around their White House trip, but due to certain security precautions we were not allowed to publish the article until after they visited. Now that they’re back from the White House, take a look at what they had predicted their trip would be like and more!
Jason Watkins, President of Kent Clarks, Junior, Athletic Training major
Her Campus (HC): As the president, how does it feel to have the opportunity to lead the Kent Clarks to D.C. to perform at the White House?
Jason Watkins: It’s such a great opportunity for all of us and the fact that I’m a part of a group of people that get to perform there is incredible regardless of the position. But, it is pretty cool that I might get the chance to meet the actual president.
Maegan Eshaian, Music Director, Senior, Musical Theatre major
HC: What’s the most difficult part of being the music director?
Maegan Eshaian: The most difficult thing about being Music Director is trying to coordinate the semester and plan it all! I choose the set list, arrange the music and handle a lot of stuff for the group in general, so it can easily be stressful!
HC: What’s your dream song to see the Kent Clarks perform?
Maegan Eshaian: We are actually performing two of my dream songs for ICCAs! “Bang, Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj and “The World is Ours,” by Aloe Blacc X David Correy! They’re amazing songs!
HC: What is your favorite part about being a Kent Clark?
Sam Velotta: They are always there to pick me up when I am down, and rehearsal is a nice stress reliever when you’re having a bad day. It’s also brought me to a lot of cool opportunities I never thought I would have had.
HC: Who is your favorite accapella group?
Shawn Wilson: Homefree, because they are the only accapella group that does country and it’s so unique and refreshing that it’s really enjoyable to listen to.
HC: Do you have a favorite Pitch Perfect character?
Tanaka Mupinga: The main guy who plays the douchebag, I can’t remember his name. He’s just a really big jerk because he’s good at singing and that doesn’t take him far and that’s how it is in real life too.
HC: What do you think Kent Clarks will gain most from traveling to D.C. to perform at the White House?
Matt Gilkerson: I think that we will gain cultural awareness and we’ll see what it’s like performing in a professional setting. It will be an amazing, nerve racking, surreal, bonding experience for the group. There’s going to be tremendous growth within us musically and as a family.
HC: If you could switch voices with anyone who would it be and why?
Michael Crowley: Sam Smith, because he has crazy control over his voice when he gets in his higher range. I have a higher range, which I am working on. It’s not good as his, but it’s something I would love to achieve. He just has a crazy voice that I really like.
John Pernell, Senior, Applied Communications major
HC: Do you do anything special to prepare for performances? Any weird pre-performance exercises?
John Pernell: I do something called ho-downs, and it’s like high then low and then I just like to drink tea and honey to help.
Chris Myrick, Senior, Public Health major
HC: What’s your favorite line from Pitch Perfect?
Chris Myrick: When Fat Amy is laying on the bench and goes “I’m horizontal running.”
HC: Do you see yourself sticking with singing and performing after college?
Christine Lamendola: Definitely. I have a minor in theatre and I have always been in choir and loved performing so I can’t see not being in some type of singing organization or group.
MeghanFitzgerald, Junior, Speech Pathology and Audiology major
HC: How do you not get distracted when there are so many different voices going at once?
Meghan Fitzgerald: I really listen to my part and after I listen to my part, I start to put in other voices to focus on how the whole song is supposed to be. It’s difficult at times but once you get the hang it’s not hard.
Mariah Fornataro, Junior, Nursing major
HC: What are you most excited for on your trip to Washington D.C.?
Mariah Fornataro: Honestly, just performing at the White House. It’s just so crazy to think that we are actually going to be at the White House in front of so many important people.
Corey Thur, Junior, Electronic Media Production major
HC: Who is your favorite artist and why?
Corey Thur: One Republic, I love the mixture between the different genres that they do. They have a lot of different sides that they take on and they have great lyrics.
Blair Gabalis, Senior, Integrated Language Arts major
HC: What is your biggest fear about singing at the White House?
Blair Gabalis: That I completely blank upon seeing all of the important people that are there.
Cameron Clemens, Junior, Business Management major
HC: What’s been your most embarrassing moment as a Kent Clark?
Cameron Clemens: So many embarrassing moments have happened in this group. There was one time, we were getting ready for a show and we were told we were supposed to go on in 15. So, we are waiting and waiting and they came in all the sudden and said you are supposed to be on right now! We all jump up and we run down the hallway, get there and we’re like we don’t know what to do now. There’s this complete awkward silence and it was definitely embarrassing for the whole group. I’m usually the most embarrassing in the group because I say things before thinking.
HC: Are you nervous for the White House trip?
Cameron Clemens: I am, but I know that we have a solid set list and a solid group, but something that big of a scale is nerve racking. It’s so exciting though, and we have a great group. It’s another experience for us all, but at the same time we are all nervous.
Amanda Tidwell, Junior, Music Theatre major
HC: What’s been your best memory as a Kent Clark?
Amanda Tidwell: The success of our first ever Intercollegiate Championship of Accapella experience. We did so well, even better than we had expected to do.
There you have it, flashes. The Kent Clarks are making a big splash at Kent State and Her Campus had such a great time interviewing them. Keep an eye on this talented group as they continue to grow on our campus. Maybe, if you’re lucky, Kent Clarks could even perform at your event. Look out for them at Relay for Life this coming Spring!