WELCOME TO RUSH 2023!

The Society of Orpheus and Bacchus cordially welcomes you—whether you are a newly minted member of the class of 2027 or a returning 2025/2026 Yalie—to Rush 2023! Rush is a unique opportunity for you to get to know us and for us to get to know you through a series of concerts, auditions, and rush meals. It's an intense but fun-packed month-long experience that begins as soon as school starts and culminates with Tap Night on September 20, 2023.

If you are interested in joining our Society and becoming part of our 84-year tradition of music and revelry, this page belongs to you! We cannot wait to hear you sing and get to know each of you. Below, you’ll find a step by step guide to the rush process, from Woolsey Jam all the way to Tap Night.

If you have any questions about the rush process, please reach out. We know that it can be intense — and more than a little confusing at times. Ultimately, we hope the SOBs can help make this process a little less hectic and a lot more fun for you. If there’s any way we can help make that happen, we want to.

STEP ONE WOOLSEY JAM (9/2)

A showcase of all of Yale's a cappella groups in Woolsey Hall. Every group will sing a couple songs, so you’ll get a feel for each group’s sound!

STEP TWO MARSH JAM (9/4)

A showcase of all of Yale's a cappella groups at Marsh auditorium (in the YSB) to kick off Rush 2022. Every group will sing a couple songs streamed to the auditorium, so you’ll get a feel for each group’s sound! You'll be signing up for an audition right after Marsh Jam; we'll give you a packet that contains all the info you need for the next two weeks.

STEP THREE THE AUDITION

SOB auditions are fun and very low-key, so don't worry! When you arrive, you'll have a chance to meet all the members and sing a few warm-ups and exercises with us. 

After that, we'll ask you to join three of us in performing the "Aura Lee" quartet. Take some time to look over the music and practice singing through one of the parts. Someone of your voice part will be available to help you if you get stuck, so don't sweat it if you're having trouble with your line. 

Finally, we'll ask you to perform a solo of your choice. Pick something that you're comfortable with and that showcases your voice. Rushees have been tapped into the group after singing everything from operatic arias to "Happy Birthday”; the important thing is to find a song you enjoy singing and go for it.

Download an Audition Music Kit here!

STEP FOUR RUSH MEALS

Between the start of auditions and callbacks you may go on one or more rush meals with the SOBs. Rush meals are a great way to meet members over a plate of Berkeley mac'n'cheese or an ice-cream sandwich.

STEP FIVE SINGING DESSERT (9/12)

During these two weeks, each group will host a singing dessert for their rushees. Instead of the two songs you get at Marsh Jam, we’ll have a whole bunch of music and comedy for your listening pleasure.

STEP SIX CALLBACKS

Two weeks into rush, we'll call back a number of rushees for another audition—it's just as relaxed and fun as the first, and helps us get to know your voice better. 

STEP SEVEN TAP NIGHT?

All will be revealed…