Founded in 1988 and officially registered as a student organization in 1989, Golden Blues is the oldest all-gender a cappella group at the University of Delaware.

“We’ve had the longest history making music here,” said senior vocal performance major and Golden Blues music director Hannah Andrews. “We’ve always upheld the notion that we are fun, inclusive group of people who love making music together and serve as a welcoming community for fellow singers and music lovers.”

Averaging around 15 to 20 members, Golden Blues holds auditions at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters before classes start. Auditioners prepare a verse and a chorus of a song of their choice that best demonstrate their vocal ability. The group works to incorporate varying genres of music into their sets.

“There are a lot of students on campus who were a part of a cappella groups and choirs in high school, but aren’t pursuing a music major, yet still enjoy the act of singing,” said Andrews. “Golden Blues is a great way for those students to continue singing in their free time.”

Senior neuroscience and medical scholars major and Golden Blues vice president Charlotte Kalilec recommended the RSO and other UD acapella groups for finding community. “A cappella is a wonderful creative outlet to have in college,” she said. “Students can meet like-minded people, have fun and make creative music in a welcoming and usually stress-free environment.”

Golden Blues president and senior biomedical engineering major Catherine Peluso explained the impact the RSO had on her time at UD and how it kept her connected to friends throughout the pandemic.

“I joined Golden Blues in the fall of my freshman year, so it has completely shaped my college experience,” said Peluso. “Through Covid, we were all there for each other, which was especially meaningful to me as someone who was sent home right at the start of college and hadn’t made as many strong connections as I hoped I would.”

Senior fashion and merchandising and management major Mariel Abano who runs public relations for Golden Blues echoed Peluso’s sentiment.

“Golden Blues helped me to find where I belonged at UD because it allowed me to do the things I love with people I love,” Abano said. “Especially considering everything that has happened with the pandemic, this group has been a constant rock and source of comfort and fun. My positive experience helped me to break out of my shell and I wouldn’t be where I am at UD without this group.”

For those who want to hear Golden Blues in action, stay tuned for their upcoming gigs, including their Moontunes show in October hosted by fellow UD a cappella group Creshendo, and their own themed concert at the end of the semester.

If you’re interested in joining, Fall 2022 auditions take place Sunday, September 4 and Thursday, September 8 in Trabant 218 and Tuesday, September 6 in Perkins 303 and 304. Follow @GoldenBluesUD on Instagram and check out their RSO page in StUDent Central.

“We pride ourselves on being an extremely diverse group and we like to create an environment in which anyone can feel welcomed,” said Andrews. “We consider ourselves a group of friends who just love to sing. We hope new members will be able to find a home within us. If you’re part of the group, you’re part of our family.”