What kind of sound can pierce through the youthful rhythms of campus life and ultimately resonate across national stages? The University of Virginia's Hullabahoos a cappella group has answered this question with their voices. This student-run ensemble recently claimed victory in a fiercely competitive national competition through their innovative commercial jingle composition, earning substantial prize money while etching a significant chapter in UVA's musical legacy.

The Art of A Cappella and Campus Culture

A cappella, an unaccompanied vocal music form with roots in medieval church music, has evolved into a dynamic and innovative musical expression. Its magic lies in pure vocal artistry—creating rich musical textures through harmony, rhythm, and timbre without instrumental support. Popularized by cultural phenomena like Pitch Perfect , a cappella has surged in popularity across college campuses.

At UVA, a cappella enjoys deep cultural roots with numerous distinguished groups. These ensembles, ranging from historically established choirs to avant-garde newcomers, collectively form a vibrant part of the university's musical landscape. Beyond enriching student life, a cappella provides a platform for artistic expression, skill development, and cultivating teamwork, communication, and creativity.

Hullabahoos: UVA's Musical Ambassadors

Among UVA's a cappella groups, the Hullabahoos stand out as exceptional representatives. Since their founding, they've maintained an unwavering commitment to musical excellence and innovation. Their sophisticated vocal techniques, distinctive style, and energetic performances have earned widespread acclaim, making them one of UVA's most recognizable musical signatures.

Comprising students from diverse academic backgrounds united by musical passion, the Hullabahoos provide more than extracurricular enrichment—they've created a space for stress relief, personal growth, and lasting friendships through shared musical endeavor.

A National Triumph: The Hullabahoos' Journey

The path to national victory began with skepticism when the competition invitation arrived. Rather than being dazzled by the substantial prize offering, members demonstrated prudent judgment by verifying the opportunity's legitimacy. Former president Peter Mildrew's confirmation paved the way for collective commitment—a testament to the group's thoughtful approach and unity that would prove crucial to their success.

Jingle Creation: Where Creativity Meets Talent

The competition's requirement for an original commercial jingle presented both challenge and opportunity. Amidst final exam pressures, members Teddy Price and former president Nick Chu spearheaded the creative process through intensive brainstorming sessions in Nick's room. Their breakthrough came not from lofty concepts but from embracing a deliberately "goofy-sounding" approach—this distinctive humor became their competitive edge.

Price later collaborated with member Carson Barnes to adapt the composition for a cappella performance, skillfully utilizing vocal textures to enhance the piece's commercial appeal. Their ability to balance academic demands with artistic creation during finals week demonstrated remarkable time management and dedication.

Recording Excellence: Professionalism in Detail

Opting for studio-quality production over convenient campus recordings, the group partnered with Charlottesville's Music Resource Center (MRC) for professional recording facilities. They further elevated their submission by engaging former UVA video producer Julia Weaver, whose expertise helped craft a visually compelling entry. The video's authentic, unscripted moments of member interaction added natural charm that complemented their musical precision.

Artistic Evolution: From Covers to Original Work

Known primarily for contemporary pop covers, the Hullabahoos ventured into new territory with a quartet-inspired arrangement for this competition. This stylistic departure—both challenging and exhilarating—became a key differentiator that captured judges' attention, proving that artistic growth often lies beyond comfort zones.

Victory Over Elite Competition

Prevailing against formidable opponents from the University of Illinois, Dartmouth College, and Northeastern University underscored the Hullabahoos' exceptional caliber. The emotional victory validated their musical talent and collaborative spirit, with the $45,000 prize (including $25,000 in winnings and $20,000 travel funds) representing both achievement and future potential.

Investing in Legacy: The Prize's Purpose

"This transcends monetary value," explained Mildrew. "It's validation of our collective effort and enables dreams we've long envisioned." Current president Nick Chu outlined plans to allocate funds toward professional recordings, expanded performances, and potentially national tours while establishing an endowment for future generations. "We're stewards of the Hullabahoos legacy," Chu noted, emphasizing their commitment to sustaining the group's future and supporting community music initiatives.

Broader Implications for Campus Creativity

The Hullabahoos' accomplishment extends beyond musical achievement—it exemplifies how creative platforms like commercial competitions foster practical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and market awareness. Similar successes by Syracuse University in the Clio Awards and Millikin University in ADDYs demonstrate students' remarkable capacity when given professional-caliber opportunities.

As Chu reflected, "We hope our story inspires campus organizations everywhere to pursue ambitious goals." This victory has undoubtedly energized UVA's creative community, illustrating how institutional support for artistic endeavors cultivates well-rounded graduates equipped with innovation, discipline, and collaborative skills that transcend the rehearsal room.