WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Missouri State University’s premier all-male and all-female a cappella vocal groups, the Beartones and A Cub Bella, will be in concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at the West Plains Civic Center theater.
This free performance is being sponsored by the University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department at Missouri State University-West Plains.
The Beartones and A Cub Bella, both of which are student organizations associated with Missouri State University’s student engagement office, have been recognized as two of the most outstanding collegiate a cappella groups in the nation, according to information provided by the vocal groups. They are renowned for their “polished” and “memorable” sets and have racked up notable performances across the country, including in Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and New York City.
Formed in 2000, the Beartones provides a strong foundation for students who enjoy creatively expressing themselves through music and performance, according to information posted on the group’s website at the Springfield campus. The Beartones focus primarily on providing local entertainment by presenting a variety of musical styles, competing in national competitions, performing for other universities, hosting annual concerts and recording albums each year. All funds received go to cover travel expenses, compact-disc production, business expenses, and hosting annual concerts with guest groups.
A Cub Bella is Missouri State University’s first and only all-female a cappella group, according to a press release from the group. Since 2002, A Cub Bella has been celebrating music, friendship and service in the Springfield area while shaping college girls into well-rounded women by providing leadership opportunities and the chance for self-expression through music. These women enjoy every chance to give back to the community by putting on benefit concerts and performing in Springfield and its surrounding cities. The ladies of A Cub Bella have most recently been working hard on their sixth album Ten Minutes Late, due out this spring.
“In just a short amount of time, the Beartones and A Cub Bella have established a strong reputation across the country for excellence,” said U/CP Theater and Events Coordinator Emily Gibson. “This is a great opportunity for area residents to come out and hear these fabulous young, talented performers. I know they will enjoy it!”
Gibson pointed out the music director for A Cub Bella is 2009 West Plains High School graduate Briana Adams. Adams, who took several classes at Missouri State-West Plains, has been a member of A Cub Bella for three years and served as its music director for two. She is the first resident from West Plains to perform with either group and will be graduating from Missouri State University in May with bachelor’s degree in music education. She is planning to pursue a master’s in choral conducting next year, Gibson said.
For more information about the concert, contact the U/CP Department office at 417-255-7966. For more information about all activities and events sponsored by the U/CP Department, visit the department’s website, wp.missouristate.edu/ucp.