A capella

[theyellowhobbit]

An acapella group is practicing in Hillel. They're singing a song that I know, and the key they are in is a half step flat from what the song really is. I'm debating whether or not to go in and tell them that they're a half step down. I don't know if I know anyone in it. It's probably not my place, but It's bothering me.

*edit* They are singing it relatively low because their soloist can't sing it that high, and they've drifted away from the main group inside the lounge and whatever pitch they're at. I think they thought I was going to ask them to be quiet or something.

And the song is Come on Eileen

Oh wait, even on the piano, they're doing it in that lower key. Gah!!!!

But I'm proud of myself for being able to figure out what the key was and how much they were off. I just don't know the name of any of these keys. I'd need a piano for that.

Comments

[plus-c.livejournal.com]

Yeah, singing a song a half step down (or multiple half-steps down) is SOP for a cappella groups. It helps them cover for soloists who lack range.

[sen-ichi-rei.livejournal.com]

But what about the poor people trying to write theses who have perfect pitch? Think of the hobbits!

[spazerrific.livejournal.com]

yeah, I think we sing only like two of our songs in their original key... And sometimes it's not just for the soloists... sometimes it's for the background... like we moved a song up a half-step because the three altos can't consistently hit a D... we can on good days, but not consistently... so now we only have to hit Eb.

[gimmelgirl.livejournal.com]

Ah, the curse of perfect pitch. :o)

[sen-ichi-rei.livejournal.com]

Indeed. It's definitely a curse. Everyone else thinks it's so cool, but it always annoys me...