Two new a cappella groups will make their debut on campus this semester.

The groups, Hilltop and Grace Note, are led by Nick Tatum, director of student productions and instructor of communication and sociology, and Kayla Torp, senior vocal music education major from Waco.

“We both felt as though there needed to be more a cappella singing at ACU, specifically in worship,” Torp said. “There was a high demand for a pop a cappella group, but we didn’t know how to round up 10-15 upperclassmen to participate in a rigorous group.”

Torp said when they began forming the groups, they targeted freshmen only, creating the a cappella worship group Foundation in the 2017 fall semester. After the group’s success, Tatum and Torp decided to move forward and create the additional groups for upperclassmen involvement.

“One thing about these groups is that they provide an opportunity for students who have a passion for singing, performing and worship but maybe aren’t interested in choir or theater,” said Tatum. “I hope these groups are communities that students can be a part of to find a place on ACU’s campus where they can use the gifts they’ve been given.”

Hilltop and Grace Note will perform during ACU Summit, Chapel and with Foundation multiple times throughout the semester.

“Being a Church of Christ campus, it’s easy for us to get into the routine of thinking a cappella singing and worshipping is boring and not meaningful,” said Tatum. “I hope these groups can inspire students and faculty to revive and reconnect with our Church of Christ roots of a cappella music.”

Students will have the opportunity to audition for Foundation after Freshman Follies on Oct. 1.