Ten40 is an active student organization within the music department and all around the Bowling Green community.
While sitting in a small group on campus, Ten40 members were repeatedly greeted with friendly ‘hellos’ by passing individuals familiar with the men’s choir group here on campus.
With six hours of full-group rehearsals a week plus individual practice, the 17 members of Ten40 are vigorously perfecting their craft for this weekend’s International Championship of Collegiate A Capella competition.
In a group interview, members of the group conveyed challenges of singing a capella and preparing for the competition.
First year student and group member Rory Gallagher said, “I think a big part of it is blending, so we all sound together.”
Without a conductor or any instrumentation, the Ten40 singers only have each other’s voices to rely on to maintain a fluid and momentous harmony.
This Saturday will be Ten40’s third year competing at the ICCA, placing fourth and third their first and second years in the championship.
Despite performing among nine contending groups, including groups from Akron and the California University of Pennsylvania, Ten40 is detemined to perform their best going into Saturday.
Group President Daniel Carder said, “We don’t want to go in with the mindset that we’re going to win, we go in with the mindset that we’re going to do our best and go out there and perform.”
Ten40 Faculty Advisor Patrick Pauken came across the group by chance and is grateful to be a part of the organization.
Distinguishing Ten40 from other groups by describing some characteristics, Pauken said, “Certainly from an advisor’s standpoint, I think Ten40 is among the best at hosting, welcoming and celebrating the success of other groups too. We’re all in this for the same common love.”
Competitions make up a small fraction of the events Ten40 performs for. Throughout the year, Ten40 will sing at events like BG’s Dance Marathon, Relay for Life and STEM in the Park.
This coming August, Ten40 will perform the national anthem for BGSU Alumni Day during an Indian’s baseball game.
Outside of the choir room, Ten40’s members resemble a well-connected and upbeat family. Sharing what the group enjoys doing together, Carder said, “We eat a lot of food, we go to movies together and we hangout on Friday, Saturday nights.”
In rehearsals, the group had strong energy and choreography that was interesting at a professional level.
ICCA, hosted by Ten40, is at Bowling Green High School at 7:00 p.m. Saturday Feb. 20. Tickets are $15 for students, $18 for non-students and $20 for general admission.
Vice President of the group Mark Wierzbowski said, “If you come to the competition on Saturday you’ll see what we love to do and you’ll hear some great music.”
