So... what's rush?

Rush is a month-long process held by the Yale a cappella community every fall. Rush is the opportunity for students - not just freshmen! - to audition to become a member. These short weeks are jam-packed with performances, auditions, rush meals, and "singing desserts." It all starts with the Freshman Bazaar and the Woolsey Hall Jam, accelerating until the often chaotic but always memorable Tap Night. For more general information on Rush and a cappella at yale, visit the Yale Singing Group Council website.

At the Freshman Activities Bazaar, you get the opportunity to walk around to the many a cappella booths. Later that evening, come listen to a few of our songs at the Woolsey Hall Jam! Each group sings a few songs, allowing you, the rushee, to get a feel for the many different performance personalities. As every group has its own social and musical dynamic, rush allows you to find out who is best for you.

After you start the fun (or stress) of shopping period, you attend the Dwight Hall Jam/Sign-up. Each group sings a few more numbers. After all the singing, the mad rush of sign-up begins! Even if you don't sign up then, feel free to email our rush managers to schedule an audition.

The following Saturday and Sunday are auditions. Check out our advice page for more information on those! At your audition, we will sign you up for a rush meal with several members of Proof. Rush meals are a great chance to familiarize yourself with the social dynamics of each group - and make some new friends.

During the several weeks between auditions and callbacks, in addition to rush meals you will be invited to many "singing desserts." These longer performances feature only one group, allowing for you to experience most of their repertoire. All rushees are invited to attend to listen, mingle, and chow down on some sweet desserts (not just pudding, don't you worry). After every singing dessert there is an aptly-named afterparty, giving you a chance to socialize with group members and other rushees.

After our singing dessert, we notify rushees about callbacks. Held the last weekend of rush, these give us another chance to hear you before embarking on the grueling task of making our final choices. After one last big rush meal for all our rushees, the annual adventure of Tap Night begins.

Whenever it is that Tap Night occurs, the Whiffenpoofs and Whim 'n' Rhythm - the senior a cappella groups - will sing a few songs at the High Street Gate. At approximately 10pm, the gates are opened and all hell - or at least, all of Yale's a cappella scene - breaks loose! Not even we know what will happen then...

Misty Wright, Tap Night 2004