WHY THUNK? BEHIND THE NAME
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THUNK a cappella was initially and formally known as "Melodious Thunk," created in 1993 as a play on words from the name of American jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk, who is considered one of the giants of American music.
Since then, the name's become the short and sweet version it is today: THUNK. |
THUNK founder Dan Neustadt
(From THUNK XXV, June 2018) |
A BRIEF HISTORY
THUNK doesn't perform competitively anymore, instead focusing on The Cape Town Project and other campus and community outreach. However, the group has won its fair share of accolades.
In 1998, Thunk advanced to national semi-finals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) and Willis White, now a Broadway star, took honors as "Best Soloist." However, Thunk was edged out of a spot at nationals by Indiana University’s premiere a cappella group, and world renowned recording artists, "Straight No Chaser."
Willis’ rendition of "Say My Name" in 2000 earned him one of four nominations for "Best Mixed Collegiate Arrangement" by the National A Cappella Association.
The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) writes: "The singers of THUNK are some of the most talented individuals in the entire country, let alone on Northwestern’s campus."
Upon graduating from the University, the alumni of the group continue their successes on some of the greatest stages in the country, both on Broadway and in Chicago’s top theaters.
CASA continues: "THUNK has progressed far beyond the narrow constraints accepted by most student performance groups. They have established themselves as one of the most exciting, innovative, and talented groups of young artists in the Chicagoland area and the country."
The Recorded A Cappella Review Board (RARB) writes: "When the members of Northwestern's THUNK grab the solo mic, they show off power, range, clarity, creativity, finesse...everything you could ask of a collegiate soloist."
THUNK has also been featured on various a cappella and music media like the "InsideAcappella" video blogs, "The A Cappella Blog," "College A Cappella" and "Live for Live Music."
In April 2013, THUNK was featured in "InsideACappella's" Top 8 a cappella performances of the month, with their performance of Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger."
In Aug. 2016, THUNK was featured on "College A Cappella" (www.collegeaca.com) for their performance of "Call Me" by St. Paul and the Broken Bones.
In Nov. 2016, THUNK was featured on "Live for Live Music" for their arrangement of "Back Pocket" by Vulfpeck.
In 1998, Thunk advanced to national semi-finals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) and Willis White, now a Broadway star, took honors as "Best Soloist." However, Thunk was edged out of a spot at nationals by Indiana University’s premiere a cappella group, and world renowned recording artists, "Straight No Chaser."
Willis’ rendition of "Say My Name" in 2000 earned him one of four nominations for "Best Mixed Collegiate Arrangement" by the National A Cappella Association.
The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) writes: "The singers of THUNK are some of the most talented individuals in the entire country, let alone on Northwestern’s campus."
Upon graduating from the University, the alumni of the group continue their successes on some of the greatest stages in the country, both on Broadway and in Chicago’s top theaters.
CASA continues: "THUNK has progressed far beyond the narrow constraints accepted by most student performance groups. They have established themselves as one of the most exciting, innovative, and talented groups of young artists in the Chicagoland area and the country."
The Recorded A Cappella Review Board (RARB) writes: "When the members of Northwestern's THUNK grab the solo mic, they show off power, range, clarity, creativity, finesse...everything you could ask of a collegiate soloist."
THUNK has also been featured on various a cappella and music media like the "InsideAcappella" video blogs, "The A Cappella Blog," "College A Cappella" and "Live for Live Music."
In April 2013, THUNK was featured in "InsideACappella's" Top 8 a cappella performances of the month, with their performance of Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger."
In Aug. 2016, THUNK was featured on "College A Cappella" (www.collegeaca.com) for their performance of "Call Me" by St. Paul and the Broken Bones.
In Nov. 2016, THUNK was featured on "Live for Live Music" for their arrangement of "Back Pocket" by Vulfpeck.
