The Spokes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Spokes
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Davis, California |
| Genres | A cappella |
| Years active | 2004 – present |
| Labels | A Cappella Records |
| Members | Sarah Kadlec: President Gwen Little: Vice President Mathilda Silverstein: Music Director Jennifer Wang: Treasurer Brooke Talkington: Publicity Director Makenna Stever: Design/Website/Merchandise Director and Assistant Publicity Director Sowbarnika Kanaan: Choreographer Shyama Chaganti: Social Chair Monica Yuo: Philanthropy Director Ashley Tseng: Social Media Director Emily Htway Kelsey Crist Peleiah Baesa |
The Spokes is an awesome all-female a cappella group from the University of California, Davis. They were started in 2004 by Jaclyn Cohen and the famous singer Cam Ochs. A cappella means they sing using only their voices, without any instruments!
The Spokes have traveled all over the West Coast, performing in cities like Portland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. They love to show off their unique sound and style. Each year, they perform at different a cappella shows and competitions. One of their biggest events is their annual show called HellaCappella. This show has been so popular that it has sold out the Robert & Margrit Mondavi Center for the Arts many times!
The Spokes have won several cool awards at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA). These include awards for Best Choreography (how they move while singing) in 2011 and 2018. They also won for Best Beatboxing (making drum sounds with their mouths) in 2016. In 2016, they even placed second at the Northwest Semifinals!
Besides performing, The Spokes also record their music. They release albums or EPs (shorter albums) every year. They really want to use their music to support women's empowerment. This means they want to show how strong and capable women are. In 2020, The Spokes had 12 talented female singers. They were super excited to put on HellaCappella 2020, which is known as the biggest a cappella show in Northern California.
Contents
History of The Spokes
The Spokes group officially started in January 2004. It was created by two friends, Camaron Ochs and Jaclyn Fromer. They used to be part of a different singing group called the Liquid Hotplates. Camaron and Jaclyn wanted to start a group just for girls.
They put up posters all around the UC Davis campus to find talented singers. After many auditions, they chose eight girls to be the first members of The Spokes. They practiced their songs in dorm rooms and apartments. This is how the amazing group we know today began!
Performances and Fun Appearances
The Spokes love to travel and perform! They have visited many cities in California. For example, they went to Berkeley for a big a cappella show hosted by other college groups. They also performed in Los Angeles at the California A 'Cappella Festival. Another stop was Claremont for a festival called SCAMFest.
The group also puts on their own concerts every year. One of their biggest shows is "HellaCappella: The Biggest A Cappella Showcase in Northern California." They also have a concert called "Local Tones," which features only a cappella groups from Davis.
Every winter, The Spokes go on a special trip together. It's a mix of music practice and fun bonding time. They also attend cool a cappella festivals like SheSings and LAAF.
On TV and Radio
The Spokes have even been on TV and radio! They were featured on "Good Day Sacramento" and "Capital Public Radio" (KXJZ). In the 2019–2020 school year, they performed at many different events. These included the California Firefighter's Memorial Ceremony and various high school shows. They even sang at the Farmer's Market in Davis!
The group is also very proud of helping others. They often donate some of the money they earn from their shows to local charities. They have supported organizations like Daraja Academy and the Women's Empowerment Center in Sacramento. This shows they use their talent to make a difference!
Albums and Music
The Spokes work hard to record their amazing sound. They release albums and EPs (shorter albums) each year. Their music often highlights themes of women's empowerment. This means they sing songs that celebrate the strength and abilities of women.
Here are some of their albums:
- Goldmine (released in August 2019)
- All I Need (released in May 2018)
- SIN (released in March 2017)
- 23 Hours (released in 2016)
- Shades of Pink: Volume II (released in 2015)
- Shades of Pink: Volume I (released in 2014)
- KaleidoSpoke (released in 2014)
- On The Wall (released in 2011)
- Waking Up in Davis (released in September 2010)
- The Pink Album (released in 2008)
- This Means Go (released in 2006)
- Just Ride It (released in 2004)
Awards and Achievements
The Spokes have won several awards for their fantastic performances! Here are some of their achievements at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA):
- ICCA Quarterfinals (2011)
- Best Choreography: Kacie Contreras won for her amazing dance moves during the song "Top of the World".
- ICCA Quarterfinals (2016)
- Best Beatboxing: Anya Stewart was recognized for her awesome vocal percussion on the song "One Time (Marian Hill)".
- 2nd Place: The group also took home second place in the competition that year!
- ICCA Quarterfinals (2018)
- Best Choreography: Amanda Beardsley won for her choreography across their entire performance set.
