Ladies First: beyond the etiquette

Their voices may be angelic, but that doesn't mean you won't hear them singing Madonna's "Like A Virgin" at Bears Place on Thursday nights.\nThe women of Ladies First, often thought of as the female version of Straight No Chaser, are a 13-member a cappella group sponsored by the IU Alumni Association for one blatant reason -- they can sing like angels.\nOriginating in the spring of 1999, Ladies First has become one of IU's most competitive women's musical groups -- and one of the most prestigious. Their rigorous auditions rival those on American Idol, as the members must be as selective as Simon Cowell and as charming as Paula Abdul.\n"Let me just tell you, there are some amazing people in the group who could kick everyone's hoo-hoo on American Idol," said junior group member Kelli Grant.\nLike collegiate sports, Ladies First requires a strong commitment and a demanding schedule. During this semester alone, Ladies First is going on tour to various cities throughout Colorado and California. Recently, they represented the Midwest at the International Championship of Collegiate A Capella at Penn State. And to add to the chaos, they plan to finish their third self-titled CD by spring. \nSenior Katie Stark, the group's leading director, admits that even she had to try out twice before becoming a member. New recruit Joanna Jacobs said the audition process was an intimidating act for a freshman. \n"It was really nerve racking standing up in front of the girls," said Jacobs. Luckily, the nerves didn't last long after becoming a member, as Jacob said she enjoys the "sisterly bond" the group shares. \nSophomore group member, Elizabeth Cronin, agreed that the group's friendships extends beyond the concerts.\n"We don't just sing together, we're best friends, and if I ever need something, I'll call on them," Cronin said. \nThe group practices for two hours four times a week at the music school. During a recent practice, their special bond was evident as the room erupted in conversation. While one member laughed about a weekend party, another asked Stark if she was able to rent Suburbans for the Pennsylvania trip. Meanwhile, junior member Jessi Odenbach passed a plate of chocolate and vanilla cookies.\n"We love to eat," Odenbach said. \nBut despite the women's unity, they take pride in their diversity as a group. Ladies First includes a mixture of freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors, all of whom come from diverse musical backgrounds. And although they share a variety of academic interests, from broadcasting to tourism management, only a surprising three members are music majors. \nStark tells women interested in trying out for Ladies First that becoming a member requires more than just a good voice. You have to have a sense of humor, she said. She passed this test when she forgot the first verse of "White Christmas" in the middle of a performance and had to repeat another line.\n"Most of all, you should prepare a song and be sure to bring a spunky attitude," Stark said. \nFor more information, visit the Ladies First Web site at www.iuladiesfirst.com.\n-- Contact staff writer Kristen DaRosa at kdarosa@indiana.edu.