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25th Apr, 2016

Medleys A Cappella wishes you a happy Week 5! ^_^ We are so happy after a fulfilling Relay for Life this past weekend. We want to thank Colleges Against Cancer for putting on such a great event and for inviting us to sing after the Luminaria Ceremony. We have one of our fearless leaders Ben Chan for this week's installment of Medleys Mondays! :) ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Nicknames: Ben, Bean, Ben 10, Bench, Bento, Benji, Benny Boy, Ben-jammin, Bchan, Bchansta, Ben-hameen, Bennison ♫ Spirit Food: Fries, because I'm lazy and unhealthy but also because I'm always around if you need comforting ♫ Three things you can't live without: Food, friends, and my PC 1. Superheroes or villains? ♫ I've always found villains more interesting than heroes because of how nuanced their characters can be and their necessary role in shaping the hero's character. They also tend to have cooler powers, too! 2. Where would we most likely find you on a sunny, Saturday afternoon? ♫ Since sunlight and socializing are my mortal enemies, probably inside playing video games or watching TV. 3. What is your favorite thing about your major? ♫ What I really enjoy about Neuroscience is how much it has changed the way I see everyday actions and behaviors. I'm sure everyone in Medleys has gotten real tired of Kera and me talking about why and how their brains help them do things xD 4. If you had the chance to perform a duet with a famous singer, who would it be and why? ♫ Probably Avi Kaplan from Pentatonix, because he's an amazing bass and I'd love to learn as much as I could from him! 5. As music director, what do you think has been the most rewarding part of leading Medleys A Cappella? ♫ I'm extremely proud and honored to have seen and influenced the incredible growth Medleys has been through over the past year, but I think the most credit goes to everyone else in the group for pouring their hearts and souls into our music and being the amazing singers and people they are, and I'm honestly just happy I get to sing with them every week!



11th Apr, 2016

Happy Week 3! :D We would like to thank Random Voices for hosting the 15th Annual California A Cappella Festival! We had a blast performing for the day and night shows. This week, we have bassist Mack Dimler featured for our Medleys Mondays! ^_^ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Nickname: Mack, Kenz, Kenzie, Big Mack, Mack Attack, Mackey, there are far too many options with my name Spirit Food: I would be Mac'n'cheese because yeah Three things I can't live without: My friends, music, and my bed 1. If you could be any mythical creature, what would you be and why? ♫ I would want to be a phoenix. Phoenixes have the ability to be reborn in the ashes of their previous life. I think it would be amazing to have the option to be reborn and try again after the inevitable failures in life. Also phoenixes are absolutely stunning creatures and have gorgeous voices. Also they can fly. Also fire is pretty cool. 2. Describe yourself using only 4 nouns. ♫ This was actually a hard question. I'd have to say Bow tie, Bass, Giant, and Bruin. 3. What is one fact about you that not a lot of people know? ♫ Most people don't know that I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do! I haven't been doing it for a really long time but I did it for about 6 years or so before high school. 4. If you could live in one building on UCLA campus for the rest of your life, where would it be? ♫ Royce Hall has always had a special place in my heart. I love the stage and the whole building just really has a great feel to me. Whenever I walk by the building I feel a sense of pride for the amazing school that I go to. 5. As a musician, what have you learned by being a part of Medleys A Cappella? ♫ Joining Medleys A Cappella in my fourth year of school here has left a really wonderful lasting impression on my life as a musician. When we sing together, it's easy to see that everyone in the group can really feel the music and is doing everything they can to portray it through their own voice. Everyone in the group knows that I'm a total sap for this aspect of music, but I was never really able to connect to music on this level before joining Medleys. I had always heard of the emotional part of music and how important it is in a performance but I had never really been able to portray what I was feeling until I joined Medleys. Basically, Medleys has shown me exactly what it feels like to sing with love and passion and emotion in my music and in my heart.



4th Apr, 2016

This past weekend, Medleys stood on their feet for 26 hours in the fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS! We also had the opportunity to perform during the 'Murica theme shift at Dance Marathon! We would like to thank the Pediatric AIDS Coalition at UCLA for all of their hard work and give a special shoutout to all of the people who donated to this cause. Although we're pretty sore and tired, we will always treasure the memories this event has given us :) #UCLADM2016 #loveformusic #loveforpeople #forthekids #forthecure



28th Mar, 2016

HELLO, EVERYONE! Medleys is excited and refreshed after a wonderful Spring Break! We have Michael Sekarek starting our Medleys Mondays series for Spring Quarter ^_^ Get to know more about Michael! :D ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Nickname: None (maybe Sexcarrot) Spirit food: Pesto Three things you can't live without: Music, food, friends 1. Describe your first year of Medleys in one word. ♫ Family 2. If you were required to wear flip flops everyday or shorts everyday, which would you pick and why? ♫ This is a horrible question for me because I rarely go anywhere without both. If I had to choose I would say shorts because I'll do anything to avoid wearing pants on a hot day and no pants are the best pants by far. 3. What moment in Medleys stands out to you the most? ♫ My most memorable moment in Medleys (#alliteration) would definitely have to be when we sang at the Veterans Center. We asked this little old man if we could sing a Bill Withers song to which he responded with "Who?" Then we said we were going to sing "Lovely Day" and he just started singing the song on his own. When we started singing he sat in his chair and danced along with us with a big grin on his face. It was amazing how music was able to transform his whole mood and brighten up his day. 4. How are you feeling about dancing with Medleys as a Dancer Captain for Dance Marathon 2016? ♫ I could not be more excited to take on the role as the captain of Team LIME for this year's Dance Marathon, and it means so much to me that Medleys will be dancing alongside! I also know I can count on them to help me along too because that is just the kind of enthusiastic and caring group of people they are. I definitely couldn't do this without them! 5. What has being a part of this group taught you? ♫ Being a part of Medleys has helped me find the balance and harmony in my own life. I know that no matter what kind of day I have been having up to rehearsal, it will always get better after being with the rest of the group. We know how to have fun together or when we just need some type of support. This group has really come together as a family this year and I can't wait to see where Spring Quarter takes us!!



14th Mar, 2016

Hey, UCLA! Medleys A Cappella wishes you luck this Finals Week! ^_^ We have Mr. Aaron Fish here for our last Medleys Mondays this quarter! Study well and have a safe/fun Spring Break! :) ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Nickname: Fish, Fishboy if you are Josh Briggs Spirit food: Cheese (I'm pretty sharp, with both highbrow and lowbrow humor, but I'm getting better with age) Three things you can't live without: Music, my friends, and a sketchbook for doodles. 1. If you were an inanimate object, what would you be and why? ♫ I would be a piano. Versatile, and sounds different depending on who is playing, but always adding a beautiful tone. 2. Which fictional character do you identify with most? ♫ I would say I relate most to the unnamed protagonist from the movie Once. He is a musician, and finds music as a way to express the things he can't just say. He's very compassionate, a little afraid to take risks, and he's pretty dorky at times too. 3. What has been the coolest class you've taken at UCLA? ♫ Coolest class is definitely the Stop-Motion animation workshop I did Junior Year. A lot of time and work but also just so rewarding, and so much fun! 4. In your 4-year membership in Medleys, what has been your greatest improvement as a musician? ♫ While I have learned a lot more about technique and tone details since I've been in Medleys, I'd say my greatest improvement has been seeing just how much music can affect the lives of others, and working to share that through my music. 5. If you could give freshman-year-Aaron advice, what would you tell him? ♫ Don't get stuck on a path just to see it through; instead, look at what you really want and don't be afraid to take risks to achieve it! Have goals, dreams, and strive for something. And keep making the most of every moment you can, college will be over WAY too soon.



16th Feb, 2016

Friends, family, and people who love love! Medleys A Cappella had a successful LoveNotes fundraiser this past Valentine's Day weekend! With your help and support, we were able to raise approximately $400 to donate to the Veterans Homes of California. Have a great rest of the week, everyone! ♫ Love for people, love for music ♫



1st Feb, 2016

HAPPY FEBRUARY, FACEBOOK! <3 Medleys particularly loves this month since we get to do LoveNotes! Don't know what LoveNotes are? Look out for more information soon! This Monday, we have the lovely soprano/alto Priyanka to kick off this wonderful month! ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Nickname: Pri, PriPri, Yanka, Priyank (only Mack), Yankers, Prius, PP, Priyonce Spirit Food: An M&M; cookie because it's colorful and sweet Three things: phone,planner, Chapstick 1. It’s February, which means LOVENOTES! What are you most stoked about for LoveNotes? ♫ I love seeing the reactions of the people receiving the LoveNotes! Last year during LoveNotes, I saw our music bring tears, laughs, and love to the people we sang to. Music is one of the greatest gifts one can receive, which is why LoveNotes are so special. Not to mention all proceeds go to a great cause! 2. What makes you confident? ♫ My family and friends make me the most confident! When I'm surrounded by people I care about and who care about me, I instantly feel better about myself. 3. Which song would you select to be your entrance song? ♫ Definitely "Crazy in Love," by Beyonce! I would love strutting to that beat at the beginning! 4. If you could only eat one item for the rest of your life, which item would you pick? ♫ I would probably choose mangoes because no matter how many I eat I never get tired of them! 5. What advice would you give your younger self? ♫ I would tell my younger self to live in the moment and enjoy all of the awesome moments that come with growing up. Worrying about the future accomplishes nothing, and life is too fun for that!



25th Jan, 2016

HAPPY MEDLEYS MONDAYS! We hope you had an amazing weekend! After coming back from the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival (LAAF), we're ready to take on this week and the rest of the quarter. We're kicking off this week with our boy, Brendon! ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Nickname: Don! (Thanks Maya) Spirit food: Animal Crackers Three things you can't live without: PB&J; , Headphones, and Flip Flops 1. What was your favorite thing about LAAF? ♫ LAAF was absolutely awesome, and I learned a lot, but my favorite part was the rap battle Medleys got to have against the Lounge Lizards! 2. Which UCLA tradition has been your favorite so far? ♫ The Undie Run was a little weird, but also really fun. It was cool to do it with other members of Medleys too! Shout out to Cole and Michael! 3. Have you seen yourself grow as a musician in Medleys? ♫ Absolutely. Learning all of the different music we've gotten these first two quarters has totally improved my music literacy! 4. If you could only sing one song for the rest of your life, what would it be? ♫ "I'm a Believer," by the Monkees, but actually the one from Shrek, because that movie is awesome. 5. What is one of your bucket list items in life? ♫ I would love to learn Japanese. I don't really know why I want to learn Japanese, or when I plan on finding the time to learn Japanese, but it definitely takes a spot on my bucket list!



11th Jan, 2016

Hey, there! We hope you had an amazing holiday season! :) This past weekend, we just had our retreat and are ready more than ever to kick off this quarter with new music! But without further ado, Medleys is BACK with Medleys Mondays!!! To kick off 2016, we would like to feature our other lovely music manager, Lydia! ♫♫♫♫♫ Nickname: Lyd/Lyds Spirit Food: “A grape because they are purple and provide a burst of flavor” -Priyanka Three Things I Can’t Live Without: Friends/Family, the piano, and anything purple. 1. Major key or minor key? ♫ Definitely minor key. When a song is minor I typically have an easier time finding a passion for the song. Since I was young, when I played piano both classical and for church, I enjoyed the slower, minor songs more. Plus my music taste in general is an example of my love for minor keys. 2. As music manager, what are you most excited about for Medleys? ♫ I absolutely love seeing the group grow in every direction. My goal as a manager is to provide the group with new ways to share our passion for people and music. My favorite thing about being a music manager is when we have a new gig or we step outside of our comfort zone and afterwards we can truly say we grew from that experience. This year in particular I am excited about the vibes our group has, with everyone being super loving and passionate towards one another, the music, and the cause of Medleys. 3. What do you absolutely need to have in rehearsal besides the usual stuff (music, water, etc.)? ♫ Probably something purple because let’s be honest, even if I don’t purposefully try to bring something purple it's bound to happen anyway. 4. If you could only describe your personality in one color, which color would you choose? ♫ My first instinct is of course to say purple just because I love it so much, but I think a more accurate representation of me would be a bright yellow since yellow is often associated with the sun, bringing joy and warmth to people. I am usually very outgoing and loud which can be seen through my explosive laughter but at the same time I hope to have a gentle spirit with a genuine compassion for people and the ability to bring happiness to others. 5. Who or what is your inspiration? ♫ It’s hard to choose a particular inspiration because so many people and moments have been vital to shaping who I am, but what stands out to me most is definitely both my parents. They have each molded me not only by being examples but also by explicitly teaching me what kind of person to be in this world. My dad inspires me to always strive to be better and utilize my abilities to their maximum potential, while my mom shows me how to be gentle, loving, and selfless. Both of my parents have sacrificed so much for me and I am most satisfied when I know they are proud of me.



30th Nov, 2015

RISE N SHINE! Time for a special feature of this week's Medleys Mondays! In honor of Thanksgiving Break **and** our holiday concert tonight, we're featuring not one-- TWO members of Medleys! We are proud to present: The Lee's. Catch these dudes solo tonight at 512 Midvale, 7PM. You won't want to miss the coziest night of the year! Event details can be found in the link below. See you tonight! https://www.facebook.com/events/1652914214985993/



24th Nov, 2015

In honor of #BeatSC Week, we give you our lovely bonfire board! Watch it burn tonight at the Beat 'SC Bonfire Rally! :) #colesecrettalents #medleysart



19th Nov, 2015

After a month of learning and rehearsing, Medleys has finally started performing again! Yesterday, we had the distinction of co-hosting an a cappella concert/canned food drive with YOUTHphonics A Cappella. We always have a blast performing with our sister community-service a cappella group here at UCLA, and we managed to fill four whole boxes with cans! All the proceeds will go to the LA Regional Food Bank, just in time for the holidays! Also, a huge shoutout to Cadenza A Cappella, Resonance A Cappella, and Signature A Cappella for their wonderful performances and to everyone who came out and donated! Then, earlier today, we performed for the first time at the Veteran's Home of California in West LA. It was an honor performing for the brave men and women who have fought for our country, and definitely a great experience we'd love to repeat! And finally, we ended today with a few songs at the UCLA Farmer's Market. We always have a great time singing at the Farmer's Market, and today was no exception! It's been a hectic two days, but we're so glad to be back out in the community spreading the music we love! :D



17th Nov, 2015

It's the season of giving! Donate a can or non-perishable good and enjoy the harmonies of some awesome a cappella. Tonight @ 7:30 Kerckhoff grand salon!



16th Nov, 2015

*** drumroll please! *** IT'S MEDLEYS MONDAYS! This time, we have the soulful Rohan Luhar ^_^ Aside from singing Chet Faker and being an overall suave dude, Rohan is a talented dancer and has the best laugh EVER. Get to know more about Rohan! ♫♫♫♫♫ Nickname: Ro, Rohu, Brohan Spirit Food: Extra Spicy Red Curry Three things you can’t live without: Family, Friends, and Optimism (Sorry I ruined the alliteration) 1. What music chord describes you the best? ♫ I think crunchy chords, but I think I’m mainly choosing that because I like crunchy foods. However crunchy chords do bring a lot of depth and variety to our arrangements, and I may or may not be implying I bring the same qualities to my life and everyone around me. 2. Which warm-up during rehearsals is your favorite? ♫ I really like Motors, if that’s what they’re called! (Basically six random people are chosen and they each successively add either a bass line, beat, or harmony, and then the last person thinks of a song that fits in with the spontaneous “arrangement”). It’s really fun because it makes you think on your feet, and allows you to think of music in a more dynamic sense, which I think is really crucial to any kind of music in general. 3. If you had to choose between accordions for feet or a kazoo for a voice, which would you pick? ♫ I would definitely have accordions for feet. I wouldn’t want to stop singing normally, and I could always get a wheelchair to deal with the accordions. And if I learned how to play the accordion, I’d always have my instrument by my side…or on my leg, which would be very convenient. 4. Best place to study at UCLA? ♫ I can never study in one spot for too long because I always need a change in environment. However my favorite places I have gone to are Powell, and the second floor of Kerckhoff (with those heavenly reclining seats). 5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? ♫ I’m not one to try and predict where I’ll be in 10 years, but I do hope that I’ll be done with med school, have a wife (and children), be living somewhere exciting, and most importantly of all be happy!



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