The HeeBeeBGs, the University’s men’s a capella group, welcomed Presidents Day visitors to the sound of music yesterday in the Union.

The group performed songs from Cake, Eve 6 and the school spirit song while families and possible students shuffled by countless booths representing student organizations.

But the HeeBeeBGs are not just a usual men’s choir group, they also incorporate trumpet sounds, beat-boxing and synchronized dance moves.

“We try to go beyond just singing songs, we try to a make it a performance,” said Eric Watts, president of the HeeBeeBGs and vocal music education major.

The group, a select chamber ensemble and an extension of the men’s chorus, comprised of 15 members, entertained in the Union yesterday as part of the Presidents Day open house, a tradition started last year.

“We’re all just a big family almost,” said Shane Coe, campus activity coordinator for the group and a Music and Pop Culture major.

The HeeBeeBGs have performed at the dedication of the new Sebo Athletic Center, at former University President Ribeau’s birthday party, sporting events around campus and sang the National Anthem and the Alma Mater at the instillation of President Cartwright.

At this year’s homecoming, the HeeBeeBGs won the award for most spirited student organization. Because the group is so small, they have expanded what they can do and their involvement on campus, Watts said.

The HeeBeeBGs were created from the former men’s chorus group Sine Nomine in 2007.

“Two years ago Andrew Shultz and Matt Young transformed the group from classical and turned it into a contemporary ensemble,” Watts said.

Members of the group get to pick what songs are performed and sometimes even arrange them, said Kyle Spicer, secretary of the HeeBeeBGs.

“We love taking suggestions, too,” Coe said.

The group just returned from The International Championship for Collegiate A Cappella last Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich.

“It went very well,” Watts said. “We were the first group from Bowling Green to participate and represent the University to the best of our ability.”

“We got the only standing ovation,” Coe said.

With their founder Andrew Shultz graduating, the HeeBeeBGs are going through transitions.

“We’re in our second year of being an official organization, so we’re still learning what we can and can’t do,” Watts said.

The HeeBeeBGs will be performing at the spring concert on March 29, in Bryan Recital Hall in the Moore Musical Arts Center. The group will also be touring this spring at various schools and churches.

“One of our big goals is to be a recruitment tool for BG,” Watts said. “To bring in other groups to see what we do.”