November 11, 2025 — If you wander into the Music Department on a busy evening, you might hear activity before you see it— laughter bouncing off the walls, footsteps pacing the rehearsal rooms, and the rich blend of voices tuning up for the next song.

It’s here that Marist’s a cappella groups—Sirens, The Enharmonics, and Time Check— bring their talent, creativity, and camaraderie to life. From spirited rehearsals to polished performances, these student-driven ensembles keep campus in perfect harmony, or as one might say, pitch perfect.

But music is only one piece of the story.

As part of both the Marist Music Department and the Marist Singers, these a cappella groups are tight-knit communities where students from every major find friendship, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Each ensemble is entirely student-run, giving members the chance to lead, arrange, organize, and perform, all while supporting one another. Each group brings its own style to the program. The result is a culture of collaboration and shared passion for music, blending talent, teamwork, and tradition.

This fall, Marist’s all-low voice a cappella group Time Check celebrated its 30th anniversary, commemorating three decades of music, memories, and friendships that span generations. The milestone concert brought together alumni and current members for a night that honored the group's legacy while looking ahead to its future.
 

 
Time Check founders Ryan McGrath '98 and Jamie Mitchell '98 reflect on the group’s origins 30 years ago. Photo by Cira Shaw '26/Marist University.

For Colin Martin '26, one of Time Check’s current directors, leading the group during its anniversary year has been a defining experience.

“It truly is a surreal feeling,” Colin said. “After the show, alumni came up to me to say that the energy in the group is just as strong as it has always been. Having those past members tell us we did a great job made me incredibly proud.”

Colin shared how joining Time Check changed his Marist experience completely.

“Before joining, I was struggling to find something outside of academics that I felt fulfilled in,” he said. “Once I joined the group, everything turned around. Aside from sharing a love of singing, Time Check is a brotherhood. I’ve made some of the best memories here.”
 

 

 

 

 

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The anniversary performance was more than a concert; it was also a celebration of community. Alumni shared stories of their time in the group, reflected on friendships they built, and joined the current members on stage.

Performances are a key part of the Marist a cappella experience. While Time Check celebrated a major milestone this year, Sirens, Marist’s all-treble voice a cappella group, and The Enharmonics, an all-voice a cappella group, have been equally active this semester, performing at campus events and preparing for upcoming shows.
 

 
The Enharmonics perform “Great Expectations” from The Outsiders during Marist Singer’s Night on Broadway 2025 show. Photo by Ananya Andrade '28/Marist University.

The groups appear in events such as Marist Singers’ Night on Broadway and Love in the Afternoon shows, both annual benefit concerts that showcase Marist’s vocal talent. The groups also take the stage for their own annual a cappella winter concert and spring final concert. They also participate in various invitational showcases, where they collaborate and perform alongside groups from other colleges.

“Music is one of the few disciplines that can be found in every part of Marist life,” said Michael Napolitano, Interim Director and Assistant Director of Music. “Our a cappella groups take their music education and production knowledge and transform it into a wholly student-driven, student-directed, and student-curated experience. They tell the Marist Music story each time they take the stage.”

Kaelyn Schmidt '28, a member of Sirens, shared that joining a cappella has helped her find her place at Marist.

“I joined not only to make incredible music, but to be surrounded by a close group of talented and passionate individuals,” Kaelyn said. “Sirens is unique in their love for each other—apart from all the rehearsals, we’re one big friend group.”

 
Sirens perform “The Sparkling Diamond” from Moulin Rouge! The Musical during Marist Singer’s Night on Broadway 2025 show. Photo by Ananya Andrade '28/Marist University.

First-year Katelyn Hogan '29 echoed that sense of community.

“Although I haven’t been here long, a cappella has already been such a significant part of my Marist experience,” Katelyn said. “It’s an amazing community filled with talented people who all share a love for music. I look forward to rehearsals every day— it feels like a family.”

That sense of support and friendship extends across all of the groups. Ian Osborne '26, a director of The Enharmonics, said he’s continually impressed by how the ensembles uplift one another.

“It’s amazing to see how all of these groups show up for each other,” Ian said. “We collaborate, we cheer each other on, and we really take pride in the work we’re all doing.”
 

 
The Enharmonics, Sirens, and Time Check celebrated their annual final concert last spring. Photo courtesy of Cira Shaw '26.

Members handle everything from musical arrangements and audition processes to concert planning and event promotion. This hands-on approach allows students to develop practical leadership, organization, and communication skills that complement their artistic growth.

“Our musicians come from all walks of life,” Napolitano said. “Some are music minors, most aren’t— but each student leans into what is taught in the classroom and ensemble to produce world-class performances for our community.”

For students like Lindsey Mascia '26, a director of Sirens, that leadership opportunity is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

“Being able to direct Sirens has taught me so much about teamwork and responsibility,” Lindsey said. “It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly fulfilling to see something you’ve built come to life on stage.”

 
Members of Time Check A cappella backstage alongside stage manager and co-director of The Enharmonics Bella Obligado '26 posing as zombies. Photo by Ananya Andrade '28/Marist University.

As the semester continues, Marist’s a cappella groups are preparing for their annual winter concert and upcoming invitational performance at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Each ensemble also looks forward to recruiting new members in the spring and continuing to uphold the traditions that have defined Marist’s a cappella program for decades.

From first-years taking the stage for the first time to alumni returning for milestone performances, Time Check, Sirens, and The Enharmonics continue to unite students through their shared passion for music and performance.

At Marist, a cappella is more than an extracurricular activity— it’s a lasting part of the campus's culture, connecting generations of students through song.

“I have made some of the best memories that I will forever cherish because of Marist a cappella,” Colin said. “I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of it.”

View the live stream of the 30th anniversary concert here.

Follow our a capella groups on Instagram for information about upcoming auditions and performances:

@maristacappella
@timecheckacappella
@sirensacappella
@marist.enharmonics