Over 60 years ago, the Beelzebubs and Jackson Jills set the stage for a cappella excellence at Tufts; today, that tradition has expanded into a thriving community of 10 different groups. All with distinct styles and identities, they can be overwhelming to keep track of, so here’s your guide to all the a cappella groups here at Tufts.
Beelzebubs
Widely regarded as the inspiration to the Treblemakers of the “Pitch Perfect” franchise, the Beelzebubs have had a long and storied history at Tufts since 1963 — voicing the ensemble Dalton Warblers in “Glee” and competing in the first season of the NBC reality competition “The Sing-Off” (2009). The Bubs’ influence on collegiate a cappella is also significant, with former Bub Deke Sharon (LA’91, NEC’91) being hailed as the “father of contemporary a cappella” thanks to his novel use of vocal percussion in arranging covers. With their iconic red suits and energetic TikTok presence, the Bubs truly embody their motto: “Fun Through Song.” Check out their most recent album, “Delirium” (2024), and a selection of recent performances on their website.
Jackson Jills
The Jackson Jills, Tufts’ oldest all-femme a cappella group, have been a pillar of campus a cappella since their founding in 1963. Named after the historic Jackson College — and Cornelia Maria Jackson, its namesake — the Jills have created and continued a powerful legacy of musical talent and lifelong sisterhood. Their arrangements are characterized by both vocal and structural intricacies — a feat that has won them much critical acclaim and has brought them to stages like Boston’s Symphony Hall. Be sure to stream their most recent album, “Game Night” (2024), filled with hits like “The Weather” (2020) OPB Lawrence and “...Baby One More Time” (1998) OPB Britney Spears.
Amalgamates
Tufts’ oldest all-gender a cappella group, the Amalgamates, was founded in 1984 to create a unique, mixed-voice ensemble, different from the existing all-male and all-female groups. The 'Mates describe themself as “a group of close friends who share a passion for making great music” — and great music they do make. This group’s musical prowess is evident when listening to their current repertoire — filled with covers of songs like “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” (2024) OPB Billie Eilish and “Hammer To The Heart” (2023) OPB Teddy Swims — and has garnered them national and international recognition. Check out their latest album, “Who Crashed The Car?” (2023), and their latest single, “Bridge Over Troubled Water (Live from WMFO)” from 2024.
sQ!
sQ!, self-billed as the “freshest all-gender all-genre a cappella group,” most definitely lives up to its name, performing songs like “Blackbird” (1968) OPB The Beatles, along with mashups of “Training Season” (2024) OPB Dua Lipa and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” (1979) OPB ABBA. Founded in 1994, this group has a history of celebrated performances, with recent features at the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championship and a winter tour throughout Chicago — all while still closely guarding the true meaning of the letters sQ!. Make sure to stream their latest EP, “Wavelength” (2024), anywhere you stream music.
The Ladies of Essence
Also founded in 1994, The Ladies of Essence is an all-femme identifying group that specializes in music of the African diaspora and tradition. Delivering powerful arrangements in genres like R&B, soul, gospel and hip-hop, The Ladies of Essence are vocal superstars — a claim highlighted by the fact that they were crowned as the winners of Riff-Off for two consecutive years. Beyond their musical skill, Essence truly is a tight-knit sisterhood and maintains a close relationship with their “brother group” S-Factor. Check out some of their covers on their YouTube channel: a “Euphoria” (2019–) medley of “I’m Tired” (2022) and “All For Us” (2019), both OPB Labrinth and Zendaya, at their spring 2023 show; and “Golden” (2004) OPB Jill Scott.
Shir Appeal
Tufts’ only Jewish a cappella group, Shir Appeal, has been a hub for “Hebrew pop and rock, traditional and liturgical songs, Jewish world music, and English songs with Jewish themes” on campus since 1995. As the first non-secular feature on one of the “Best of Collegiate A Cappella” albums, Shir Appeal performs at a variety of locations: synagogues, day schools and more. And with annual retreats and heart-warming gratitude-focused traditions, this group’s focus on community is unmistakable. Stream their latest album, “Skylight” (2024) on all platforms.
S-Factor
Founded in 2006 as an all-male group dedicated to performing music of the African diaspora, S-Factor was formed as a brotherhood where they could create and share this art with the Tufts community. “Soul Factor” (2010), their first album, showcases some of the top genres that define their style: reggae, gospel, hip hop, R&B and so much more. Beyond just the music, community service and fire Instagram edits also define the group. Check out some of their recent covers on their YouTube channel: “Jealous” (2014) OPB Labrinth from their fall 2024 concert and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” from their spring 2025 concert.
Enchanted
Self-proclaimed as the “most magical a cappella group” at Tufts, Enchanted truly delivers. Specializing in music from Disney and other childhood classics, this student group will not only bring you back to the ‘good ol’ times,’ but they’ll also add new fun, musical layers to the classics you love. Performing on campus and for the local community, Enchanted spreads the magic everywhere. Next time you’re feeling nostalgic, check out their eponymous EP from 2023, filled with hits like “Friend Like Me,” originally in the “Aladdin” (1992) soundtrack. Also, their chalk art is consistently the best on campus.
Full Sound
The only a cappella group at Tufts that focuses on music by Asian artists, Full Sound is another more recent addition, founded in 2016. With iconic stairwell covers featuring songs originally published by artists like Laufey, Olivia Rodrigo and Mitski — interspersed with some delicious food outings — Full Sound fully brings the energy. Stream their first single, released this year, “Cupid,” on all platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Also, make sure to catch their repertoire from their recent spring 2025 concert on their YouTube channel.
Low-Keys
Founded in 2023, the Low-Keys are the newest addition to the Tufts a cappella consortium. As an all-gender, no-audition group, they focus on building a welcoming, inclusive environment for all who enjoy a cappella. Adorned with their signature merch, the Low-Keys always bring high-key good vibes. Check out some of their recent covers on their YouTube channel: “Sweet Dreams” (1983) OPB Eurythmics from their fall 2024 concert and “Dog Days Are Over” (2008) OPB Florence + the Machine from their spring 2025 concert.
Want to see some live performances? Check out these a cappella groups in action this weekend! The Jills, the Bubs and the 'Mates will have their annual Homecoming show on Friday at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Joyce Cummings Center ballroom; and the Jills, sQ!, the Low-Keys, the Bubs and Enchanted will be featured at the Avenue of the Arts Festival on Talbot Avenue on Saturday. If you love great voices and good vibes, the Tufts a cappella scene is where you want to be.
