UNH’s original all-female a cappella group, the New Hampshire Notables, recently celebrated 35 years on campus. On Saturday April 2, the group held the 35th Anniversary Alumni Show, hosting a full day of events which included a luncheon, reunion highlights at the Elliott Alumni Center and capping the day off with a late-night ensemble of a cappella performances in Murkland Hall.
The New Hampshire Notables have been around since 1980, and, according to its WildcatLink page, the group has tapped into New England’s a cappella scene and gained a good reputation outside of the region as well. For instance, in 2011 the group’s cover of the song “Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé began being sold on the national album, “VoicesOnly.” The album is a collection of the nation’s best collegiate a cappella performances.
However, aside from the group’s reputation, long-standing membership and 35 years of music, most alumnae identify and cherish the Notables for how close-knit the members are.
“When I joined the Notables, I found my place at UNH,” said Notables and UNH alumna Ali Coes, “I knew when I joined the ‘notes, I knew it was going to be great, it’s really a family.”
Coes joined the New Hampshire Notables Alumni group, the “Afternotes” two years ago, and also spoke of the continued feeling and family that still exists even after her graduation. The Afternotes also performed on Saturday.
The 35th Anniversary show also included performances by the UNH’s other all-female a cappella group, “Maiden Harmony,” UNH’s a cappella groups “Not Too Sharp” and “New Hampshire Gentlemen,” and, of course, the Notables themselves. The Colby College a capella group, the “Colby 8,” also made an appearance, opening the show in front of around 150 students, alumni and parents and featured the classic song “I Take a Look at My Enormous Penis,” which instantly got the crowd cheering.
The Notables sang four songs to wrap up the show, but then added a surprise addition, which included all past and present notables performing “Carry on My Wayward Son” by Kansas.
Coordinator for the 35th Anniversary Show, sophomore Notable Colleen Irvine, amid flurried congratulations from friends and audience members, talked of the months of preparation and planning and the growth of the Notables.
“This was the first time we got all the alumni together, which was really nice. The show took months of planning but with great help from our alumni, I’m so glad it was a success,” said Irvine.
The Notables host two shows annually for UNH, with the upcoming spring performance being scheduled for May 1 in Murkland Hall.