In 2010, a group of students set out to find a place to sing, but first, they needed a name—a name that would reflect their passion and location. Inspired by the legendary 1960s vocal group, The Temptations, and their own roots at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, The TEMPEtations were born.
Fourteen years later, a lot has changed at ASU, but every week a group of singers get together with a passion for singing.
“When I went into the audition room for Temps, I really just felt that sense of community. It is just as much as a singing group, as it is a friend group and we bond, almost immediately, which feels really good,” Vice President Jaden Hallisey, a senior at ASU studying history and political science with minors in Spanish and sustainability explained.
Being in an a cappella group is unique on its own, as they perform without instruments, so it is important to start with a good song. Many of the groups songs are covers and arranged by their music director, Brooke Bolsinger, a senior majoring in computer science who has previous a cappella experience from high school.
“Usually when I'm arranging, I start by transcribing the solo, and then I build from there because usually the solo is like the one thing that doesn't change that much. And then you can kind of hear all of the background noises that are happening, and you can hear the chord progressions, and kind of figure out what kind of parts you want to arrange from there for voice,” she said.
Singing together as a group depends heavily on the bonds formed on the team, which is why the TEMPEtations have created their own “family tree.” Those who are new to the TEMPEtations are referred to as “Baby Temps.” Freshman Frankie Reichman, majoring in mechanical engineering, is one of nine “Baby Temps” this year.
“First year for my major, there’s a lot of work I have to do, but this is something that grounds me and brings me back,” Reichman said.
Despite having little experience with a cappella, Reichman was drawn to the group as it reminded him of the hit movie, “Pitch Perfect.”
Much like “Pitch Perfect” Barden Bellas, the TEMPEtations took the stage at the ICCA quarterfinals last year, where they captivated both the judges and audiences.
“We sing and dance for 10 minutes straight for judges and an auditorium full of people. It’s our major competitive event, and we look forward to it every single year. We spend so many hours getting ready and preparing for it--it’s like really a labor of love and something that is deeply important to us,” said President Julia McKnight, who is not a stranger to singing or a cappella as she developed a student-lead group on campus in high school.
For McKnight and her fellow “Temps,” the ICCAs were a huge success in 2024. Not only did they outshine other Arizona teams to win their Southwest quarterfinals, but they also secured a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2018– a long-awaited achievement that made their journey rewarding.
Bolsinger, as well as being music director, is the main beatboxer of the group and took home Outstanding Vocal Percussion at their respective quarterfinals.
However, TEMPEtations is not the only a cappella group on campus. ASU is home to six groups, each with their take on what a cappella means to them. This coming December, TEMPEtations will be joining forces with Devil Clefs, another a cappella group on campus, to perform a special joint concert.
The TEMPEtations are also hosting their annual Fall Concert, which will take place on Friday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. in the ASU School of Life Sciences room 191. The concert is open to the public, with optional donations welcomed.
Listen to the full interview here.