Plattsburgh State’s own a cappella group gears up for another semester of foot-tapping tunes and performances.
Senior nutrition major and Executive Director Kyala Clegg of Clayton, New York and junior broadcast journalism major and Musical Director Kerrie Gleeson of West Islip, New York are two veteran members of Minor Adjustments, Plattsburgh State’s only a cappella group.
A cappella groups create music without instruments, using just their voices to generate songs. Gleeson and Clegg said a cappella involves a lot of teamwork and mutual cooperation.
“Our mouth is our instrument,” Clegg said.
The students running Minor Adjustments select and teach the techniques and songs performed by the group.
“The big thing about a cappella is blending,” Gleeson said. “It’s really just about blending and making sure everyone is on the right pitch.”
Minor Adjustments has been at Plattsburgh State for years and places a unique twist on its covers of an array of genres and artists. From Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” to Chance the Rapper’s “Sunday Candy,” Minor Adjustments attempts to cater to all music tastes.
“We just want to make sure they’re good-hearted, fun songs that people want to listen to,” Clegg said.
Along with its diversity of music choice, Minor Adjustments strives to include a variety of singers from all backgrounds. From biotechnology to theatre majors, the group prefers only a musical background and a passion for singing.
“It never really matters what major you are, we have people from all over,” Gleeson said.
More than just an a cappella group, Minor Adjustments plays a significant role in the lives of many of its members.
“I probably would’ve gone bonkers without an outlet for music,” Clegg said. “I’ve always done choir or band and I figured, why not try something new?”
Being an extra-curricular activity, Minor Adjustments continues to exist based on the interest and passion of those running it.
“I’ve always loved to sing,” Gleeson said. “Minor Adjustments is something I’ve always wanted to make time for, and always wanted to do the best that I could to improve the group.”
Gleeson and Clegg credit much of Minor Adjustments’ success to their former Musical Director, Taeko Kelly.
“Our last musical director moved the group in such an amazing way,” Gleeson said.
Minor Adjustments will spend the semester preparing for their spring invitational in April, their biggest event.
“It’s really fun because we invite a cappella groups from different schools, Dance Corps and the local Barber Shop Quartet,” Clegg said.
With the start of this new semester, Minor Adjustments is preparing to welcome fresh faces to their ensemble. Auditions will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10:30 p.m. the week of Feb. 11.
Gleeson and Clegg encourage anyone with a passion for singing to audition.
“We have a lot of really talented and inspiring people,” Gleeson said.
Minor Adjustments will be at the involvement fair in the ACC Ballrooms on Friday, Feb. 9.
“It’s the best decision I’ve made in my college career,” Clegg said. “You just find a family.” The Minor Adjustments meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. in Meyers 112.
Email Tess Acierno at fuse@cardinalpointsonline.com
