A year after the formation of Foundation, a freshman a cappella group, two new groups for upperclassmen were added, called Hilltop and Grace Note.

Auditions for Foundation took place after Freshman Follies, an event for freshman to showcase their talent. Foundation performed at significant events including chapel, Summit, TED Talks and a Christmas concert.

Nick Tatum, director of student productions, said he wanted to start more groups to increase involvement and opportunities.

“I started Foundation before I started the upperclassmen groups because I imagined Foundation being the place I teach all my expectations and help them grow in their singing, reading of music and build their foundation for the other groups,” Tatum said.

In the spring, auditions for Hilltop and Grace Note took place for upperclassmen. Both groups led singing during Wildcat Week and Chapel this semester.

Hilltop is an upperclassmen mixed vocals group with 14 members. Grace Note is an upperclassmen group, comprised solely of females, that has nine members. These groups will be together until March, when auditions will take place for the next year.

Each group practices one day a week during chapel and one night a week for an hour each.

“I want these groups to be high quality, but not have a huge burden,” Tatum said.

This year for Sing Song, each group will have their own performance in between the hosts and hostesses.  Hilltop is performing “Africa” by Toto and Grace Note is performing “Jolene” by Dolly Parton. Foundation’s song has not been decided.

Dawson Maxwell, a sophomore vocal music education major, encouraged freshman that are considering joining Foundation to try.

“The main focus, I believe, is for freshmen to find a place and make friends, because that is where I made a lot of my friends last year,” Maxwell said. “It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t be scared.”