NC State’s all-male a cappella group Grains of Time, also known as “The Grains,” has worked to re-create musical masterpieces through their powerful use of voice. This year’s award-winning group consists of 15 “grains,” all of whom have worked together in creating the harmonious, cohesive sound that a cappella is famous for. The musical group’s spring concert “Growing Grains,” will take place Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Stewart Theatre* in Talley Student Union.
The premier a cappella group is widely known across Raleigh and the state of North Carolina alike, as the group, in addition to on-campus shows, travels regularly for performances. Grains of Time typically treats a cappella lovers to two performances each week.
One of the bigger events the group has recently embarked on is the International Collegiate A Cappella competition in New York City, competing under the Southeast sector. The elite competition is like the Olympics of a cappella as nationwide college groups battle it out through song. However, the musical group’s on-campus spring concert proves to be its most popular event due to a supportive local fan base. Justin Mauney, current president and five-year member of Grains of Time, adds that the spring performance is something worth getting excited about.
“A cappella to me is one of the coolest things, there’s no instruments involved and with the sound system we have in the theater, it’s going to be a cool performance,” said Mauney, a senior studying in industrial engineering. “The cool thing about a cappella is it encompasses clearly every type of genre you could want.”
Mauney credits Grains of Time as a positive stress reliever, taking him away from exams and projects and into the immersive world that is music. He does note, however, that it takes dedication. With the performance being less than a week away, the Grains are in crunch time, practicing three times a week to ensure a smooth performance. This year’s theme, “Growing Grains” will highlight graduating seniors.
“We put up our baby pictures so everyone can see what we’ve grown into and our favorite memories growing up in Grains,” Mauney said.
The soon-to-be fall 2017 president, Taylor Pulliam, adds that the much-anticipated spring performance will offer a wide variety of genres to the audience, boasting a diverse palette of vocal works to music-hungry listeners.
“We will perform a wide range of music from Ariana Grande, to Drake, to Bon Iver, to Broadway,” said Pulliam, a sophomore studying economics and political science. “There is honestly something that everyone can appreciate somewhere throughout the set list.”
Pulliam, who won the award for best male collegiate solo at this spring’s Boston Sings A Capella festival, notes the bittersweet tone for Growing Grains, as it is a sendoff for much-loved graduating members.
“It will be the last time on stage as our current group before we say goodbye to our seniors and usher in a new group in the fall, so it will for sure be a cherished moment for all of us,” Pulliam said.
One of the things Grains of Time is working on is expansion, which will hopefully provide the group with even more opportunities for future musical endeavors.
“We are focused now on just continuing to grow our brand as a group and hopefully reach a whole new audience of people,” Pulliam said. “I think we are all looking forward to the future where we will likely compete and record some new music, both of which are very exciting.”
Tickets for this year’s spring performance can be bought on Grains of Time’s website or at the door with cash or check. Merchandise will be available for purchase before and after the performance.
*Editor’s Note (4.24.2017): The article incorrectly stated that the event would take place in the State Ballroom.
