KEEPIN IT TRILL HIGHLIGHT
By Sarah Hurley
Keepin’ It Trill (KIT) is a dedicated group of Widener students who perform with their amazing voices!
President Ashley Freeman, a current senior here at Widener, took the time to give insight into Keepin’ It Trill and explain the amazing aspects of her vocal group!
What is Keepin’ It Trill?
“Keepin’ It Trill (KIT) is Widener’s entirely student-run a capella vocal group. We rehearsal weekly and perform a variety of a capella selections such as “Run To You” by Pentatonix and “Bottom of the River” by Delta Rae. As a group, we aim to spread awareness of the musical arts at Widener and create a space where students can freely express their love for music.”
How can someone get involved with Keepin' It Trill?
“One can get involved with Keepin’ It Trill by auditioning for the group. Auditions are held once at the beginning of each semester. However, if you have missed auditions & would still like to join, we encourage you to still touch base with us! We are always looking for students with a passion for music to join our group. No experience is required & the level of commitment is manageable with academics, as we only meet once a week.”
Do you have any upcoming activities or events?
“We are currently working on planning our end-of-semester concert! This event will consist of a few group performances by our a capella group, as well as several miniature group pieces to showcase the individual talents of our members. The concert will likely be held during the last week of November. KIT is also in the process of planning our Annual Holiday Celebration that has previously been held in the University Center. This event involves holiday crafts, hot cocoa, seasonal performances from KIT, and more! Students are welcome to take a seat & watch the performances or they can just stop by for a moment to make a craft.”
What are the benefits of joining Keepin' It Trill?
“In my opinion, the main benefit of joining Keepin’ It Trill is the sense of community. Since our group tends to be on the smaller side, it’s easy to get to know everyone on a personal level & grow close. We all get together to practice what we love, with the people that we love! Other benefits include performance opportunities, leadership experience, and lasting friendships.”
Who are your current E-Board members?
“Our current e-board members are as follows:
Ashley Freeman as President
Joshua Quairoli as Vice President
Leo-Paul Wahl as Secretary
Abby Leopold as Publicist
Emma Reilly as SGA Representative”
I also had the opportunity to interview Keepin’ It Trill’s executive board members to gain insight into why they joined the group and what their favorite memories are.
Ashley Freeman
What is your position and what does it entail?
“President - I oversee all e-board member positions and plan/run rehearsals.”
Why did you decide to join KIT?
“Music is my passion and I wanted to be involved!”
What is your favorite aspect or memory of KIT?
“The best part of KIT is the tight-knit community we have created. I have formed several friendships that I will take with me, even after I graduate!”
Joshua Quairoli
What is you position are what does it entail?
“Vice President - I assist the president with overseeing all e-board member positions and fill in for the president in her absence.”
Why did you decide to join KIT?
“I joined KIT to keep up my love for singing which I had cultivated during high school. When I came to college I didn't want to give that up and plus it felt weird not doing something I did for 8 plus years.”
What is your favorite aspect or memory of KIT?
“My favorite memory from the group is when we performed for the president's dinner and enjoyed a fancy dinner after performing together for a crowd.”
Leo-Paul Wahl
What is your position and what does it entail?
“Secretary - I keep attendance and update our roster information.”
Why did you decide to join KIT?
“I wanted to join because of my love of music and wanting to continue singing A capella from high school.”
What is your favorite aspect or memory of KIT?
“My favorite memory is the bonding we had on our first excursion and how we felt like a really tight knit group.”
Abby Leopold
What is your position and what does it entail?
“Publicist - I publicize the media about any events and spread the information out!”
Why did you decide to join KIT?
“I love to sing!”
What is your favorite aspect or memory of KIT?
“I love this group because we come from all different places and we come together as one!”
Emma Reilly
What is your position and what does it entail?
“SGA Representative - I attend and take notes at all student government meetings.”
Why did you decide to join KIT?
“I’ve been performing since I could speak honestly and picturing my life without some form of music in it sounds kind of horrible! This was an amazing way for me to get out there and make friends that I know I’ll have forever! Auditioning for KIT was easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
What is your favorite aspect or memory of KIT?
“My favorite part of KIT: Obviously covid was not easy for anyone especially when you’re all trying to sing together! KIT took our online setting and made it look easy! We’d always make sure to share our highs and lows of the day and occasionally played games to ease the stress of our lives.”
Check out Keepin’ It Trill’s social media pages!
Instagram - @keepinittrill.wu