Combining musical talent, style and passion, the Sirens of Swank: Whitman’s only all-female a capella ensemble: are preparing for a new musical semester with the addition of new songs, new events and new members.

“We really want to get out into the community more,” said junior Jacqueline Kamm.

The Sirens of Swank was formed about 8 years ago as a way for college students, both in choir classes and independent, to sing and perform outside of just the classroom setting.  

“I really wanted to be in an a cappella group in college.   It’s something I wanted to do for a long time.   I was really nervous at the time, and I didn’t expect to get in as a freshman.   When I got in I was really excited,” said first-year Hannah Leigh.

This year the Sirens have several new events, both on campus and off, that will show off their talent.

“We performed at Creektown for Valentine’s Day. We’re also performing at a couple of wineries, like Waterbrook.   We also perform at the Elk’s Lodge for community events,” said Kamm.

However, the event the Sirens look forward to most is the Whitman Coral Contest, which showcases the Sirens as well as Testostertones and Schwa.   Other groups, such as Whitman fraternities and sororities, as well as a few independent groups, also compete.

“We really kind of knuckle down and prepare. It’s a real bonding experience. It’s really fun and challenging,” said Kamm.

Some of the new songs this year include Taylor Swift’s “Love Song,” Sarah MacLachlan’s “Angel” and “Killing Me Softly,” the song made famous by Roberta Flack’s cover of Lori Lieberman’s original recording.

While the Sirens maintain there is no “concrete plan,” they are hoping to record and release a new CD next fall.

“We are trying,” said Kamm. “We haven’t put one out since my freshman year.”

Senior Christie Seyfert is hoping that they can put together the CD independently, rather than at the recording studio the group went to in the Tri-Cities for their last CD.

“I’m in some music technology classes, so I’m learning about the recording procedures. It would be more cost effective.   CDs are a great way to immortalize the work we’ve done, since most of our music isn’t written down,” said Seyfert.

Sirens held tryouts on Sunday, Feb. 22.

“We look for a few things [in a Siren].   Good musicianship, of course, and someone who can have a good time and get into the music,” said Kamm.

“Rehearsal is a time to de-stress,” said Seyfert. “It’s about being with the group, singing with the group and having a good time.”