Music, Memories, and Goodbyes

I don’t even know where to begin. This Grapevine season was… everything. The laughter, the technical hurdles, the musical growth, the inside jokes, the tears (so many tears). Our spring concert and Jambo weren’t just performances — they were celebrations of how deeply we’ve come to love one another through music.

🎤 Spring Concert: A Harmony of Farewells

This year’s spring concert felt like a farewell tour in the most beautiful, heart-wrenching way. We had five senior solos — more than I’ve ever experienced in one season — and each of them reflected so vividly the journey of the person behind it. Every rehearsal leading up to the concert turned into a bittersweet flood of memories. I became the designated crier, apparently. I couldn’t help it... These people mean so much to me.

Here’s a breakdown of the set and some reflections:

• Von Dutch: This was one of the most technically complex pieces we’ve taken on as a group. The rhythms, the transitions, the verticality of the harmonies. I sang soprano, and it had some of the highest notes I’ve ever sung. It was such a challenge to pull off, but once it clicked, we sounded incredible. That feeling of locking into the right pitch with everyone else around you is electric. And honestly? One of my favorite memories was nailing that top note and catching someone's wide-eyed smile from across the formation.

• Evergreen: Jiho’s voice was meant for this one. The blend was velvety, the layering felt like waves, soft but intentional. We spent a long time working out the subtlety in dynamics and vowel matching, and it paid off. There’s something about standing in a circle, holding a final chord like that, and knowing that everyone gave everything.

• We Can’t Be Friends (Gaylin’s Senior Solo): Finally! A song that didn’t make me cry on stage! This one was incredibly fun and rhythmic, with a groove that really showcased Gaylin’s style and personality. I loved watching her just live in the moment. The message behind her solo, of release, reflection, and strength, mirrored what she’s been like in our group: a steady, joyful presence who lifts people up.

• Under the Sheets: I sang a harmonic split for this one, and the arrangement was so rich and atmospheric. One of those songs where the more we rehearsed, the more the emotional layers revealed themselves. The harmonies built a sense of intimacy that was so palpable on stage.

• Runaway (Jiho’s Senior Solo): I honestly don’t think I’ve ever cried harder listening to a song. From the very first note, Jiho poured her whole soul into this. Knowing what this song meant to her. How it reflected her growth, her return to Swarthmore, and her healing made every lyric feel ten times more valuable. The way she captured ache, hope, and strength all at once… I’ll never forget it. The harmonies we built around her voice felt like we were holding her, and in a way, we were.

• Honey (Vick’s Senior Solo): Another "Vick Arrangement", but the energy was so infectious. It reminded me how Vick always challenges us to push harder, not just musically, but in the way we think about artistry. I had such a fun time performing this one. We all danced a little harder and sang a little freer because it was his solo.

• Slipping Through My Fingers (Marina’s Senior Solo): This one hit hard. The lyrics, Marina’s soft and emotional voice, the gentle but intentional backing vocals? Everything about it was a tug on the heart. I think everyone on stage was holding back tears during this. Marina’s reflections on goodbyes, on fleeting moments, were so present in every phrase.

• Lonely is the Muse (J’s Senior Solo): I have no words for how powerful this was. J’s arrangement was masterful as always. Complex, raw, and cinematic in scope. Their voice cut through the silence in a way that made the entire room hold its breath. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Singing this was emotionally challenging, but incredibly rewarding. It was like watching someone stand in full truth and being lucky enough to harmonize with it.

During the intermission, I was asked to speak about Jiho and… I tried. I really tried. But the moment I opened my mouth and said a few words, I just broke down crying. Like full-on tears and shaky voice. It was kind of embarrassing, but also so real. That’s what this group does — it makes you feel deeply, unabashedly.

🎭 Jambo 2025: Welcome to “Shrambo”

Jambo this year was hosted by 16 Feet, and in true 16 Feet fashion, they went with the most chaotic, meme-worthy theme ever: Shrek. Yes, you read that right. The theme was “Shrambo,” and each a cappella group was assigned a different Shrek character. Grapevine got Lord Farquaad, and we leaned all the way in. We wore red and black, switched up our usual color scheme, and had an absolute blast.

Setlist:

• So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings: I had the solo on this one, and I got to open Jambo — like, first solo of the night, first group to perform. It was such a rush. There’s something exhilarating about walking onto the stage in full costume, hitting that first note, and feeling the audience react. (Enjoy Vick's Farquaad performance before the song starts!)

• Erase Me: I conducted this song, and I’m still so in love with it. It has this beautiful, haunting feel that lingered in the air after we finished. Conducting felt like sculpting air, guiding the emotion and letting the dynamics speak, which was made easy thanks to Arpi's outstanding performance. I loved every second of it.

• Bye Bye Bye: Choreo and all. We went full 2000s boy band. It was ridiculous and joyful and executed so well. I couldn’t stop smiling.

🍷 Wine Night: One Last Chorus

Wine Night was the emotional final bow of the season. We all got together, got comfy, and shared memories. The non-seniors surprised the seniors with a soft, heartfelt rendition of “When You Were a Tulip,” the traditional welcome song that’s now become a goodbye. And yep, you guessed it. More tears. So many tears.

We also gave each other a hand-decorated plate, covered in messages and drawings from everyone in the group. It was quiet, intimate, and so filled with love.

💚 Final Reflections

This season reminded me why I love a cappella, why I love Grapevine, and why I keep showing up even when life is chaotic. It’s not just about singing: it’s about storytelling, community, and honoring the bonds that we create through harmony.

To the seniors — thank you for showing us how to lead, how to trust each other, how to pour emotion into art. Your voices, your laughter, and your love will stay in every note we sing next season.

Grapevine forever. 💐🍇

*I will update this post with YouTube links to the videos once they've been uploaded to the Grapevine YouTube channel!