We know you have some! Look below for answers to any and all questions about the Rip Chords.
Nice website, but I'm still confused. Who are these so-called "rippies" and what do they do?
We're the Rip Chords, a fourteen-member women's singing ensemble at the University of Illinois. We sing "a cappella", meaning we use no instruments and only our voices to create music. We perform at various community and university events in the Champaign area and also travel extensively around the Midwest. We have been known to venture out of this bubble, mainly when funds permit it.
What kind of music do you sing?
We sing mainly contemporary music, in the genres of pop, R&B, and country, but there have been several exceptions! To see what we're singing now, visit our Repertoire Page.
I love the Rip Chords so much, I want to be one! How can I become part of the group?
We hold auditions in September and May of every year. Being a Rip Chord is a year-long commitment and therefore we cannot take on new girls at the end of fall semesters. For the audition, we will ask you to prepare about 1 minute of any pop, rock, R&B, or country song that shows off your voice well. We also warm you up and down the scale, and sometimes there's a sight-reading portion. However, our main goal is to see the real you! While auditions are competitive, we really want to see you having fun with whatever song you choose and being yourself:) For more questions about auditions and times, e-mail Anna at abussing@uiuc.edu.
Can I hire the Rip Chords to perform at my upcoming event?
Of course! We've performed everywhere from variety shows, Mom's Weekend brunches, & candlelight vigils to company luncheons, Christmas parties & benefit concerts. To schedule us for your next event, please contact Mallory, our business manager, at theripchords@gmail.com.
So I have your latest CD, "Presence" (or I'm going to buy it right now) and it's friggin' sweet but really, when is the next one coming out? I can barely stand to wait!
Well guess what...it's finally here! We just released "Chordially Yours" at our April spring show and it is available for purchase on our merchandise page. Woohoo!
Did we forget something? Tell us your question, and we'll either write you back or put it in the FAQs!
