Academy is the University of Bristol A Cappella Society's male and non-binary, auditioned, competitive group. The group is known for their high-energy performances, camp, chaos and killer vocals - all at once.

 

In 2020, Academy recorded and released their CARA-winning debut album, Exhibit A; their 2023 album, Ad Astra, has seen them partnering with Better Together: a Mental Health Fundraiser, which has also raised over £2000 for MIND. As for their most recent release, Blue Shift, it is also out on all streaming platforms! Featuring classics such as Waterloo, Under Pressure, and Lay Me Down.

Academy has also performed at various gigs, including Vocal Jam, the ICCA’s and LUKAS, which took place in Bristol and across the country!
Of course, the group also performed at some society events, including our collaborative charity concert with the Men’s Rugby society (which raised over £1,000!), and the Best Of the South West (BOSW), where we got to see many incredible A Cappella groups from unis all around the southwest perform! The group also busk on the streets of Bristol occasionally to

Alongside our sister group Pitch Fight, the group made their triumphant return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (after a couple of years off thanks to covid), with our show “the Aca-prentice”, followed by our 5 star, sold out show - “Aca-Villa: The Love Island Musical” with our upcoming production this summers of “Pirates of the Acarribean”, taking place at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025!

As a competitive and auditioned group, the Academy is always looking for strong singers of all voice parts, including beatboxers. If you're interested in joining, please follow @UoBAcapplla or @Academy for more information regarding their auditions. Please note that the ability to read music is not a requirement for joining the group. So don't hesitate to sign up!

Please note that being a member of a competitive group is a big commitment – there are rehearsals, weekend trips, video shoots, and studio recordings. Members are expected to learn music outside of rehearsals. That being said, it is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience to have, and an amazing way to enhance your time at university.

Also, check out the group's Spotify here

What your year in Academy could look like