Rush Demystified

“Rush” is just Yale’s term for the three-week-long process of auditioning for a cappella groups, hearing them perform for you, and connecting with a few members through what we call “rush meals.” If you think that singing is something you could get into in college, or you just like to hear good music and meet new people, the first step is to attend Woolsey Jam on Saturday, August 30th. If you like what you hear, come back on Monday, September 1st for Marsh Jam, and afterward, you can sign up for an audition slot at our rush table for the upcoming weekend. 

The New Blue is a member of the Yale Singing Group Council (SGC), an umbrella organization that represents 17 undergraduate a cappella groups.  The SGC organizes rush, along with other events throughout the year. More information about rush and a cappella at Yale can be found at www.rushyale.com

Woolsey Jam is a big kick-off concert in which every a cappella group in Yale’s Singing Group Council sings one song. This year, it’ll take place in Woolsey Hall on Saturday, August 30th.

At Marsh Jam, which will take place on Monday, September 1st, every group will sing two songs in Marsh Lecture Hall. Each group will have a table set up with sign-up sheets and audition folders, and once all of the groups have finished performing, you can go around to each group that you’d like to rush and sign up for an audition slot. After you sign up, each group will give you a folder with all of the information you need, including a reminder card of when and where your audition will take place.

Auditions vary slightly from group to group, but the gist is the same. You’ll start with some vocal warm-ups and warm-downs, sing a solo of your choice, and do a few other exercises as specified by the group. (For details on your New Blue audition, see our Audition tab.) All in all, it should take no more than 15 minutes. Callback information will come later in the process, but callbacks will be held the following weekend and will be very similar to auditions. Don’t sweat it. During the week following auditions, each group puts on a Singing Dessert (see below), and groups may contact you to schedule rush meals, which are informal opportunities to eat in dining halls with a couple of group members. You'll chat and get to know each other, and the group members will answer any questions you may have about singing with the group!

Bella,  Esperance, and Lauren are your rush managers for the 2025 Rush season, which means they are your go-to people for all rush-related questions, scheduling conflicts, and other concerns. They’ll be the ones you see at our audition table when you arrive to sing for us, and they’ll work with you to schedule rush meals after your audition.

The week after auditions, each group puts on a singing dessert, which is a full-length concert for rushees and their friends. You’ll receive a singing dessert invitation from each group that you choose to rush. There will be two or three different singing desserts each night at various locations, but there is ample time between each, so you will have no problem attending singing desserts for all the groups you’re rushing! During their singing dessert, each group will perform their favorite arrangements, show you an array of soloists, and feed you delicious snacks. It’s a great opportunity for you to hear more than just the snippets you’ll get at Woolsey and Marsh, and by this point, you’ll have met a couple of members, so we also get the chance to say hey again!

Tap Night is the final night of rush, when all of the a cappella groups run around to the rooms of the rushees they’re “tapping,” or inviting into the group as new members. The whole evening involves lots of sprinting, shouting, and singing, and is a great time for all. This year's tap night will be on Wednesday, September 17th!