Derived from the university’s male ensemble, the Singing Statesmen, are the Happy Jacks who are an audition only acapella group that is currently made up of 12 members and will be performing their spring concert this evening.
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts.
“Auditioning for anything, regardless of what it is, is the best music position you can ever put yourself in, I firmly believe that,” Charles Coones, Happy Jacks elected frontman said.
Coones is currently a junior majoring in music with an emphasis in tuba. This spring is his third semester as a member of the Happy Jacks, and his second semester as frontman.
The Happy Jacks do their best to work with as many genres as possible. The acapella group practices and performs a large variety of music including classics, barbershop music, pop, country and jazz.
The concert will feature over ten songs, with music selections from contemporary artists like Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes and Coldplay, as well as vintage artists such as The Beach Boys.
“Since we do come from the Singing Statesmen we know quite a bit of their traditional songs, and some of them are really cool, so we will be singing a few of those.” Coones said. “We have a few surprises as well.”
The concert will also feature a special guest, the university’s all women’s acapella group, The Betty’s.
Not only do the Happy Jacks perform music for audiences to enjoy, but they also share it with the community in several ways. The group has hosted choral clinics at high schools, performed for the university’s president, Dr. Laurie Nichols, and they recently participated in a convention in Cheyenne.
Despite their choral and musical foundation, members do not have to be from a strictly musical background to audition for the acapella group. Coones said there are only three music majors including himself that are currently members of the group, and all members really enjoy working with people from all types of backgrounds.
Coones said being a member of the Happy Jacks presents new challenges that he really enjoys. Because the group does not have a designated teacher, it is up to members to run rehearsals, organize events and facilitate performances.
Besides sharing a passion and talent for music, Happy Jack members quickly establish friendships as well, making the group about much more than only music.
Students, staff, faculty and Laramie community members alike are all welcome to attend the free performance.
