Interview with senior Intertwining Melodies member Jill Poskanzer ’15
Who are the Accidentals and the Intertwining Melodies? How did they get their start?
Jill: The Accidentals are one of Carleton’s all-female a cappella groups, and Intertwining Melodies is one of our co-ed ones. I’m personally a member of Intertwining Melodies. We got our start when there were only three other a cappella groups on campus. Our founders wanted to broaden the sound of the a cappella community, forming the group on a basis of R&B songs but never limiting themselves to one specific genre. Today we do R&B but also anything else we like or think will sound good and fun!
Who arranges the music for these groups?
Jill: In Intertwining Melodies, typically whoever suggested or is singing the song will arrange it. There are always a few people in each group who don’t arrange, though, and one or two that do a lot of it.
Are there any pieces you are particularly excited about?
Jill: Yes! We are doing not one but TWO joint songs at the end of our concert with both of the groups, so stick around!
What has been a challenge your group has encountered while preparing for this performance and how did you all overcome it?
Jill: Finding a space, because the choir and the orchestra reserve the concert hall back to back on 8th and 9th weekends, which is when a cappella groups typically perform. Working around Spring Concert and Rotblatt is also a challenge. This term for the first time nearly all the groups are performing in The Cave, which is a space we are all really excited about as a community.
How has being in a student-run music group on campus influenced your experience at Carleton?
Jill: Intertwining Melodies has been the activity that has probably shaped my time at Carleton the most, because I joined it first week of freshman year. Looking back on all the songs I’ve learned during my four years here, I’m amazed at our efficiency and dedication to making our concerts as unique and good as possible. We have also earned the perception of being “the fun group,” so our themes are always fairly ridiculous, and we do a really great job of having fun onstage and projecting that excitement to our audiences.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Jill: Intertwining Melodies’ theme is Classy vs. Trashy. That’s all I’m going to say about that.
Come see the Accidentals and Intertwining Melodies on Friday, May 29, at 8:00 PM in The Cave! OneCard required for entrance into The Cave. Guests must be 18 or older, hosted by a Carleton student, and registered with security at the door. This is a BYOB event for people 21 or older with valid ID. A alumni jazz group will perform after the a cappella concert.