Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you wanted to ask about Rush but wanted someone else to ask before you.

I couldn’t make it to/forgot about/couldn’t find you at the sign-ups after Marsh Jam! Is my a cappella career over before it’s even started?

Not at all! We’re sorry you missed the concert (it’s a lot of fun!), but we’d be happy to find you an audition time. Time slots are first-come, first-serve, but email our Rush team at rushootb@gmail.com with your availability, and they will make sure we get to hear you!

What should I sing?

Honestly, sing anything that makes you feel comfortable, whether that’s Mozart or Motown. We’ve received some pretty rousing renditions of “Happy Birthday.” We’re just excited about hearing you sing, and we hope it’s something you love.

What should I wear?

Again, anything that makes you feel comfortable. Don’t worry about dressing to impress–we'll be in our t-shirts!

I’ve only sung in the shower/to the radio/in my dreams. Do I still have a chance?

Of course! Some of our members had never sung in public before their auditions and we’re excited they chose to debut with us!

I am an experienced musician. Will OOTB keep me challenged and interested?

Yes! We pride ourselves on our challenging and dynamic arrangements, and we work hard to involve interested members in other aspects of music development for OOTB. Our songs are varied in musical difficulty, and give even the most seasoned singer material to work with. As early as your first year, you could start arranging new songs for the group or take on the new challenge of vocal percussion!

Really? That’s so cool!

Yes, yes it is. Our members have gone on to the most prestigious musical graduate programs, performed in professional opera productions, and produced shows on Broadway, among other things.

I’m a sophomore. Is it weird for me to rush? Are sophomores ever tapped?

In order: no and yes! OOTB often taps sophomore rushees. Whether you’ve suddenly decided that there is an a cappella-sized hole in your schedule, or rushed before and want to try again, we’d love to hear you!

What are these rush meal things? Are you trying to judge how much you like me?

Rush meals are just the opposite–a chance for you to see how much you like us! Of course, any singing group is going to be a time commitment, so if you join a group and find out you just don’t click, the experience won’t be as much fun as it could be.

There are so many things to do here! Will OOTB take over my life?

We know Yale is full of amazing opportunities to do what you love; it’s why many people come here, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out. We do take rehearsal time seriously–we rehearse twice a week and have concerts throughout the year–but we make every effort to schedule around your commitments. Past (and current) OOTB members have been involved in Yale Athletics, the YDN, Glee Club, the Dramat, and even other singing ensembles. We want you to do the things that you enjoy, and we hope OOTB can be one of them!