A night full of harmonies and breathtaking solos – The Bates Student

The “Gray Cage” was abuzz with activity and excitement as students and families rushed in, eager for the start of the parents’ weekend a cappella concert. Upbeat pop tracks played overhead, fueling the excited energy in the room. As the lights dimmed and the music stopped, applause spread through the crowd, signaling that the show would soon begin.

The evening opened with the Manic Optimists, one of Bates’ popular all-male a cappella groups. They entered the stage, wrapped in denim jackets and with boyish charm. Senior ManOp Josh Collins opened the concert with a solo on “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”” This immediately captivated the audience. Their next number, “You Make My Dreams Come True,” had the audience clapping and swaying along. With their signature blend of humor – showcased in a silly, self-deprecating skit introducing their newest member – and powerful vocals, ManOps set the bar high for the rest of the evening.

The all-male ManOps were followed by The Merimanders, the only female and non-binary a cappella group on campus, dressed in their all-black ensembles paired with eye-catching red shoes. The group began with a breathtaking rendition of “Please, Please, Please” by Sabrina Carpenter, arranged by the talented Alison Robelen ’25.

Soloist Misra Ahmed (28) had the audience cheering with her breathtaking singing, especially Amanda Jenkins (26), who raved: “It was incredible!” This was followed by “Walking on Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox, another audience favorite Robelen himselfga KO solo.

The energy continued to rise as The Crosstones took the stage, their signature black outfits accented with Crosstones green. They are one of two all-gender a capella groups at Bates, along with TakeNote. They opened their set with “Leave the Light On” by Maggie Rogers featuring Gabriela Ruberto ’25. Her second number, “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” with soloist Aimée de Montlivault ’28 leading the way, really wowed the audience. Sophie Leight ’26 raved about Montlivault’s “effortless runs.”

The deans followed suit, bringing both humor and harmony to the stage in their tuxedos, with a few notable exceptions. The newest members of this male and non-binary identifying group stood out in silly costumes, including Minnie Mouse ears and reindeer antlers. They opened with a hauntingly beautiful performance of “Work Song” by Hozier, with Miles Hagedorn ’25 delivering an emotionally stirring solo. But it was the group’s second song, 2019’s “Pink Pony Club,” featuring an electric solo from Lee Kenney, that caused a stir. Kenney’s powerful vocals had the audience dancing and cheering. The song was arranged by John Campana ’26 himself.

And just when it seemed the night couldn’t get any better, TakeNote ended the concert in style. They all looked like they were having fun on stage as they sang “Too Sweet” by Hozier, with Danielle Goodman ’25 perfecting the solo.

Maia Seigerman ’26 praised TakeNote throughout the performance: “They all sound so harmonious and harmonious, and Danielle has an incredibly powerful lower register.” Brandon is too killing beatboxing.”

TakeNote President Fiona Wilson ’25 rounded out the evening with her passionate solo on “Happier Than Ever.”

As the concert came to an end, the debate over who “stole the show” was in full swing. Mattea Baumgardner (26) attended the concert with her parents, who had different opinions – her mother’s favorite was the Deansmen with “Pink Pony Club”. Ruby Martin ’27 agreed, saying that “Lee has the voice of an angel.” However, Mattea’s father preferred the ManOps’ “You Make My Dreams Come True,” stating that they “hit Daryl Hall.”

Opinions varied, but one thing was clear: everyone left the concert with a smile on their face and at least one of these songs stuck in their head.