Anna Widger, a first year animation major, is opening doors for women in a cappella at RIT. Widger has become the first female member to join the Eight Beat Measure a cappella group since its establishment in 1987. Men’s a cappella focuses on tenor, baritone and bass, lower ranges of singing which are a significant leap from the world of women’s a cappella. 

“I never knew I’d be the first for anything,” Widger stated as she recalled her first experience with Eight Beat Measure at a general a cappella karaoke night event at the start of the fall semester. A cappella groups Vocal Accent and Eight Beat Measure had been performing together. After the event, Widger approached their directors, who informed her of auditions for multiple RIT a cappella groups.  

Widger has an extensive background in choir and performing in leading roles in theater productions, which has made performance and music her passion. “For me, music is life,” Widger said. Striving for more performance opportunities, Widger decided to audition for multiple a cappella groups.  

Uniquely, Widger did not audition as an alto or soprano, parts for those who can sing in a higher range. Instead, she auditioned as a tenor and bass because her voice is naturally lower. “During my career, my lower register often placed me as male roles and tenor section in choir,” Widger said. 

The two separate auditions were long processes, including singing and attending “hangouts” with each group. Widger was accepted into the majority of a cappella groups searching for tenor and bass singers, including the all-male Eight Beat Measure. “I started to learn about the opportunities that I would have if I was an Eight Beat. Not only would I get to know some very, very talented and kind people, but I would also get the opportunity to go compete.”

After her second audition, Widger chose to join Eight Beat Measure. Later, her music director revealed that Widger was the first female member of the group. “My music director, he was saying there might be a chance that some people might need some adjusting.” To Widger’s surprise, the shift from an all-men’s a cappella group to a more diverse cohort was accepted by all members. “When I got in, everybody was very accepting. They were kind and they treated me just like anybody else,” Widger explained. “I am one of their brothers.” 

Initially, Widger felt the pressure of being the first female member due to self-imposed expectations. “At the beginning of the year, I remember personally … that was very difficult for me,” she explained. “My own nerves being like I have to live up to an expectation, and if I fall and if I fail, then I don’t know if they’ll ever pick up another female member.” 

Overcoming this mindset was a challenge for Widger, but encouragement, support and understanding from the members of Eight Beat Measure helped her. The group’s support solidified a strong bond between its members. “I’m opening doors for new people,” Widger said. “Honestly, for me, it’s been a great opportunity to just find a second family.”                                                         

Beyond singing, Widger has become the new choreography director for the group, working diligently to choreograph their upcoming competitions. Of all that Widger has accomplished this year, the biggest message she hopes to send to women is “to try to give it a shot.” 

“Stand out. There might be places that have been completely male for years, or very dominated by a majority of people who aren’t minorities. [Step] up and just try and keep on trying.”