When fifth-year chemistry PhD student Janan Hui started his graduate program at Northwestern, he knew he wanted to join an a cappella group. Hui had participated in a cappella throughout undergrad and said he sought a similar creative outlet where he could meet people after graduation.
For Hui, the solution was the Keynotes, NU’s only graduate student-specific a cappella group. Originally formed as the Catatonics in 1997, the Keynotes bring graduate students from across programs together to sing a variety of music, from show tunes to classic rock.
Hui, who is now president of the group, said rehearsing with the Keynotes each week is “re energizing” amid his hectic schedule.
“Even though we all know that we’re stressed in our different ways, we can just chill and sing together every week,” Hui said. “It’s a very calming presence in my life.”
Between classes, research and teaching responsibilities, graduate students generally have less time in their schedules to commit to extracurriculars, Hui added.
But as a noncompetitive a cappella group, the Keynotes are able to be more flexible with rehearsal schedules than many clubs. The group still meets twice a week, but Hui said he understands if a member needs to miss rehearsals to prioritize other responsibilities.
Fifth-year screen cultures PhD student and Keynotes treasurer Tayler Scriber said she especially appreciates the group’s casual, lower-stakes atmosphere at this stage in her life.
“I’ve been in competitive groups since I was in middle school, so I know that that takes a certain level of dedication,” Scriber said. “With my schedule, I would want to put (that energy) into my schoolwork, not necessarily an extracurricular.”
Rather than competing, the group usually performs once or twice a year, Scriber said. The group holds an end-of-year concert each spring, where they showcase songs learned that year to colleagues, friends and family.
Fourth-year rhetoric, media and public culture PhD student Skylar Clark said the Keynotes have become a valuable support system for her.
“We can understand each other’s experiences a little more directly,” Clark said. “We can be there for each other when it’s a rough week and there’s a lot of grading and things to do.”
Clark, who shares the role of music director for the Keynotes, added that her favorite part of being in the group is how much fun they have together.
She said the group has adopted the tradition of going on an out-of-state retreat together each year, where members share a rented house and bond over board games and barbecue.
“They’re friends that I really value, and it’s just a bonus that I get to make music with them,” Clark said.
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