who we are

- w h o   w e   a r e -

Hoos in Treble is excited to celebrate our 25th anniversary on grounds this year, and we look forward to many more years of diverse people gracing HIT with their talents. We embrace the rich history of a capella group at the University of Virginia, while bringing our own twist to this age-old tradition.

Thinking of my fellow hittas, as we call each other, I think of family. These women have supported me at my worst and at my best, inside and outside of a capella. You will not find a more kind, genuine, and encouraging group of people than in Hoos in Treble. They have defined my experience at UVA for the better and will leave memories to last for the rest of my life.

-Amelia Bergeron, President, 2023

Hoos in Treble, more fondly known as HIT, is a nationally acclaimed all-female a cappella group at the University of Virginia that has been singing, preferably without instruments, since 1999. Jennie Donovan founded the group in the fall of that year on the principles of quality musicianship, enthusiastic and diverse talent, and a commitment to distinguished performances. In the years since our founding, we have established “Four Pillars” that our group strives to embody at all times: Professionalism, Organization, Creativity, and Sustainability. 

As a part of Hoos in Treble, we share in one of the greatest privileges UVA has been able to afford us: the ability to be surrounded by a number of talented vocalists and musicians from many different backgrounds, working together to create and perform music. So while we all love being recognized by larger organizations such as Best of Collegiate A Cappella (BOCA) and Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARA, AKA the Grammy’s of a cappella), the part of a cappella we all love most is the community that is so unique to UVA. A cappella is a way of life at Mr. Jefferson’s University, evidenced by our annual Rotunda Sing, Dorm Sings, and Lighting of the Lawn. Singing together at these events remind me why I so deeply love a cappella – it is the carrying on of a beautiful tradition at UVA. So being a member of Hoos in Treble, though we are young when compared to many other groups on Grounds, is still getting to be a part of that remarkable tradition.

Speaking from experience, Hoos in Treble is an extremely diverse group of women, all of whom have enriched my personal life and college experience. I don’t think I would be able to know so many future businesswomen, economists, musicians, politicians, teachers, mathematicians, or engineers in any other facet of UVA. But amidst our differences, we have an uncompromising enthusiasm for continuously pushing our musical boundaries, while also encouraging our fellow hittas to push their personal boundaries. In meeting these lovely women, I’ve attended FYP shows, coffee shop gigs, intramural sporting events, countless philanthropic events, and even early morning hot yoga on the Downtown Mall. Part of what makes being in HIT such a unique a cappella experience is that we are also enthusiastic about supporting each other’s wide variety of interests and talents. 

The way I see it is this: I don’t think about being in an a cappella group. I think about being in Hoos in Treble, which just happens to be an a cappella group. We are not generic; we are a family. So while HIT can look very different every semester with the addition of New News and the graduation of Fourth Years, ultimately we are a body of women who come together to sing. And singing in our case, really and truly, is the manifestation of the adoration and appreciation of one another. The music and friendship are interwoven, and indistinguishable. These women have been my biggest cheerleaders in whatever I ask, and I have loved every second of supporting them in their endeavors. They are my UVA family, and hopefully if you’re reading this, maybe you’ll soon become a member of it.

-Rhody Mastin, Music Director 2014-2015

 

As the Publicity Chair for Hoos in Treble, it is my job to ensure that the website is up-to-date and reflects the sentiment of the current group. Despite the years that have passed, however, Rhody’s words above and her love for this group are timeless. HIT is all of what is said above and more. For me, Hoos in Treble is not only a place where I can express myself through music, but a home and haven at UVA. Here, surrounded by so many incredible collegiate women I have found constant love and support and have had the opportunity to grow in our shared passion for singing (sans instrumentation). With love in our hearts and pink pumps on our feet, HIT creates high-quality music and even higher-quality friendships. For that, I will aways be grateful.

-Alexa Chavara, Publicity Chair 2020-2021

 

Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization, which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.