Pitch-Perfect Vocalicious Performance Leaves Audience Starstruck
Photo by Elaine Zhang. Shayua Fallin's solo performance features her rendition of "Chandelier" by Sia.
As a long-time a cappella fan, I can tell you there is nothing quite like being serenaded by the raw talent of a harmonious combination of voices. No instruments, just voices. And because of this love, I knew I had to attend the 2nd annual Vocalicious Concert at the Music Recital Hall.
If you don’t know, Vocalicious is one of the four Santa Clara University student a cappella groups, and they intend to impress. While they perform at various a cappella concerts throughout the year, this event—organized by group creative coordinators Annie Yaeger ’26 and Eliza Maxfield ’27—was Vocalicious-only. The event not only showcased performances with the whole group but allowed members to perform solo, in small groups, with instruments, with original music—whatever they wanted.
The night opened with Vocalicious—all 21 of them!—performing “Hypotheticals,” a song by Lake Street Drive, with a solo from Liv de Jounge ’26. When all of the members’ voices came together, the crowd was shocked that there was no backtrack and no instruments. The room was mesmerized, many moved to the beat in their seats.
Can’t Help Falling In Love? Me neither! That was also the song performed by the next group of singers: Nicolas Gibson ’26, Gabriel Symkowick ’26, Kenton Swanson ’25 and Riley Carpenter ’25.
Lindsey Kendall ’26 was up next on the piano, singing Adele’s “Chasing Pavements.” Her powerful voice and instrumental talent rang through the auditorium before the next performers took it in a different direction. Dave Hock ’25, stage name D-Hawk, performed an original song titled “Santa Clara, CA” with fellow member JP Best ’25. The track was a close-to-home song with a catchy chorus.
Another full-cast song was up next: “Killing Me Softly,” with Kendall soloing. This rendition was followed by something extra fun: their “fan-favorite” song, “Boondocks,” which is a mashup of the country tracks “Boondocks” and “Fishing in the Dark.”
Keeping things moving, Maisie Lopez ’25 performed “Be,” a Hozier song. She commanded the stage, the song full of deep emotion.
Kylie Bennett ’27, Sophie Mugin ’27 and Liv de Jounge performed a trio ballad next: “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius. The harmony of their voices was perfect for the ethereal song. It left the audience both chilled and awed. To follow, Kacey Kim ’25 sang “Spring into Summer,” by Lizzy McAlpine, the delicate song complemented by her soft voice.
The group came back on stage to perform two more songs: “Erase Me” by Lizzy McAlpine, soloed by Ava Jensen ’28, and “This Love” by Maroon 5, soloed by Kenton Swanson. This marked Jensen’s first solo with Vocalicious, her voice carrying over the background with the rest of the group.
A notable part of the evening was Bennett performing “House of the Rising Sun” by Joan Baez while playing the guitar. The crowd sat entranced while her hypnotic, angelic voice covered the room. Great applause showed the audience’s favor.
Two more solos were up next, starting with Vocalicious president Swanson singing “Home” by Bruno Major. The crowd enjoyed the intimate and heartfelt performance by the graduating senior. Then, Eliza Maxfield performed Colter Wall’s “Sleeping on the Blacktop” with guitar accompaniment.
The night ended with a group performance of “Chandelier” by Sia, with Shayna Fallin ’25 soloing, another chilling melody complemented by everyone’s voices. As the harmony built at different points, it was striking to see how each voice added to the richness of the music. As Fallin’s voice rose over the rest, the combination was simply stellar.
It is such a treat to experience young and beautiful voices together on the stage. Santa Clara University has no shortage of musical talent, if you know where to look.