A decade of a cappella with Off the Cuff

On the evening of Saturday, March 30, friends and family members came together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the University of Richmond's a cappella group Off the Cuff.

A segment of the concert was dedicated to recognizing OTC's three current seniors, Andrew Thomas, Ryan Cooke and Taylyn Hulse. Fellow OTC members spoke on behalf of each senior, explaining how he or she contributes to the group and adds something unique to the dynamic.

Thomas, president of OTC, said this event also marked the release of OTC's new CD, "Stranger Than You Think." This CD has 11 tracks and features not only current students, but also OTC members who graduated last year. Close to 100 CDs were sold at the concert.

Thomas spent three months planning the decade concert, and contacted OTC alumni regarding the event. A few former OTC members attended the concert, and even got on stage to sing "Insomniac," the alumni song, with current members, Thomas said.

Joe Leece, a 2006 Richmond graduate who was a member of the original OTC group, said the group had grown and developed a lot during the past 10 years.

"I'm really glad to see the group as it is today, because this is exactly the type of energy and spirit we envisioned for it back in 2003," Leece said.

OTC is the youngest of the four a cappella groups on campus, and Thomas said he thought they still had a lot of room to grow.

Hulse, OTC's music director, said joining OTC was definitely one of the best decisions she ever made.

"Off the Cuff is such a special group because it brings together students from all years to engage in an art form that is challenging, while also creating a platform for long-lasting friendships in the short four years we have at Richmond," Hulse said.

The concert also featured a performance by the R.A.M.ifications, an a cappella group from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Contact reporter Katie Conklin at katie.conklin@richmond.edu