Dean of Advising Bader's a cappella group, the Tone Rangers, end on a strong note.

Tone Rangers woo crowd with humor and song

By: Christina Warner

Posted: 11/20/08

Apparently, to be a member of the Tone Rangers, one not only needs to be able to sing on key but also to be able to deliver a comedic performance. On Saturday night, those who traveled through the rain to Bloomberg Hall's Schafler Auditorium were rewarded with a witty and well-performed set of a cappella music.

Dean John Bader's octet began the evening with the obligatory introduction of their group, The Tone Rangers. As Dean Bader introduced himself, another member of the Tone Rangers comically wrote "Dean Bader" on the blackboard. And after receiving several chuckles from the audience, a cartoon frowning face was drawn as well.

After singing songs which included lines such as "Would you like some fries to go with that hamburger?" the Tone Rangers introduced the student a cappella group, the Vocal Chords. The Tone Rangers set the evening's lighthearted tone as they introduced the Vocal Chords, saying that this group survived off "only locally obtained produce" such as "dandelions and clovers."

The Vocal Chords, while not nearly as experienced as the Tone Rangers, performed three well-sung songs. However, it was their middle song, the Decemberists's "Sixteen Military Wives," that stood out the most. Senior Ben Dorfman's solo was the highlight, as he sounded exactly like the Decemberists's Colin Meloy.

Two members of the Tone Rangers then mimed the introduction of Hopkins's all-female a cappella group, The Sirens. As one member mimed actions such as walking down the stairs, another would inaccurately, but comically, translate, saying things such as "I'm going below to look for Sarah Palin." After all, nowadays a performance cannot seem to be considered truly comedic unless it involves poking fun at the Alaskan governor.

The Sirens began with Duffy's current hit, "Mercy," which was decent, except for the overbearing altos. The Sirens definitely saved the best for last with their successful rendition of Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven is a Place on Earth" that showcased the group's talent as a whole.

The Tone Rangers then returned to finish their set with more entertaining songs and several plugs for their new CD.

Even while singing, the Tone Rangers couldn't seem to resist putting a comedic touch on their performance. With over-the-top hand motions and laugh-out-loud lyrics, the a cappella group had the crowd doubled over in laughter. In between anecdotes about the deadliness of the filling in McDonald's apple pies, mentions of Riverdance, and Gregorian chants, the Tone Rangers proved to be both skilled and entertaining. They even included the theme songs of cartoons The Flintstones and The Jetsons amidst their songs.

After ending with Chip Taylor's "Wild Thing," the Tone Rangers quickly returned to stage for an encore. "We have no integrity. We only know one more song," they joked. And their final song, Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl," had the crowd clapping and the Tone Rangers pausing for a dance break.

The evening was a successful showcase of the Tone Rangers's performance skills but it served as a good preview of Hopkins's student a cappella groups. The Sirens and the Vocal Chords both performed well-rehearsed sets.

And not only did the Tone Rangers perform every song with on-key soloists, but they had a lively stage presence that made their long performance seem incredibly short. The Tone Rangers delivered a comedy-infused musical performance that certainly lifted the moods of all who braved the elements to attend.