Princeton Roaring 20
Princeton Roaring 20 | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Princeton, New Jersey, United States |
| Genres | A cappella, jazz, pop, rock, soul |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Website | www |
Princeton Roaring 20 (often abbreviated R20) is a co-educational collegiate a cappella group at Princeton University. Founded in 1983, the group performs music ranging from jazz standards to contemporary pop and rock and regularly tours both nationally and internationally.[1]
History
The ensemble was founded in 1983 as an all-male group under the name The Cat’s Meow and initially emphasized jazz repertoire.[2] In spring 1984, the group became co-educational and adopted the name Princeton Roaring 20.[2]
During the late 1980s and 1990s, R20 expanded its repertoire beyond jazz to include pop, rock, and contemporary a cappella arrangements. By the early 2000s, the group had established a pattern of touring and studio recording, releasing multiple albums and performing at campuses and cultural venues across the United States and abroad.[3]
Organization and activities
Princeton Roaring 20 is entirely student-run. Members elect officers who oversee music direction, finances, logistics, touring, and recording operations. The group rehearses throughout the academic year and performs at campus concerts, ceremonies, and traditional "arch sings."[2]
Auditions are held at the beginning of both the fall and spring semesters, primarily for first- and second-year undergraduates, though policies vary by year.[4]
In addition to campus performances, the group undertakes domestic and international tours that serve as both outreach and cultural exchange opportunities.[1]
Repertoire
R20’s repertoire draws from jazz, pop, rock, R&B, and soul.[1] Arrangements are primarily student-produced and tailored to the ensemble’s evolving vocal composition.
Selected works from the group’s publicly listed catalog include:[2]
- "Bohemian Rhapsody"
- "Creep"
- "Feeling Good"
- "Give Me Love"
Discography
Selected studio albums released by Princeton Roaring 20 include:[3]
- Back to the Start (2015)
- Dreams in Color (2016)
- A New Dawn (2017)
- Moving in Time (2022)
Current members
Roster as listed on the group’s official website (2025).[5]
| Name | Class year | Voice part | Role (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxwell Lin | 2026 | Bass | |
| Rachel Edelstein | 2026 | Soprano | |
| Sophia Varughese | 2026 | Alto | Music Director |
| Amira Adarkwah | 2026 | Alto | |
| Angela Kwon | 2026 | Alto | President |
| Kevin Guan | 2027 | Tenor | |
| Ella Anderton | 2028 | Soprano | |
| Amelia Wray | 2028 | Soprano | |
| Blesson Ren | 2028 | Tenor | |
| Simon Kupchik | 2028 | Bass | |
| Sol Park | 2028 | Bass | Business Manager |
| Ziyi Yan | 2028 | Alto | |
| Eva Meraw | 2029 | Soprano | |
| Justina Park | 2029 | Alto | |
| David Jen | 2029 | Tenor |
Campus culture and impact
Princeton Roaring 20 forms part of Princeton University’s longstanding a cappella tradition, which includes multiple student ensembles performing across campus. The university’s distinctive residential courtyards and archways have shaped the culture of informal "arch sings," a tradition in which the group regularly participates.[6]
Through touring, recordings, and campus outreach, the group represents Princeton nationally and internationally.
See also
- List of collegiate a cappella groups
- Music of Princeton University
External links
- Official website — https://www.princetonroaring20.com
- Princetoniana Museum entry — https://www.princetonianamuseum.org
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "About". Princeton Roaring 20. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Roaring 20 (artifact record)". Princetoniana Museum. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Music / Albums". Princeton Roaring 20. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Auditions". Princeton Roaring 20. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Members". Princeton Roaring 20. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ↑ "A tradition of voice: A cappella at Princeton". Princeton University. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
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