Club Feature: Mediocre

While many people love singing, only a select few have genuine talent. Mediocre, one of the College’s must-see a capella groups, is a home for those who love to sing but are not particularly talented.

In a conversation with The Colby Echo, co-presidents Sarah Bozuwa `22 and Morgan Honor `22 discussed their group’s culture, performances, and- — most importantly — mediocre singing.

The members of Mediocre know that they are bad singers. This self-awareness, however, strengthens the group. 

“There are so many people in this world, myself included, who are not talented when it comes to singing in any way, shape, or form, but it’s such a fun thing to do with other people, and I love the premise of the group,” Bozuwa said.

Mediocre thrives on energy, enthusiasm, and goofiness. Having fun is the group’s ultimate goal.

 “It’s fun to be kinda bad at something but to do it anyways because you like it. It’s a hilarious group of people that loves to have fun and sing once in a while,” Bozuwa said. “It is a group of energetic, unapologetic people. We embrace everyone for who they are just as they embrace themselves for who they are. It’s an awesome atmosphere.”

Everyone, regardless of their singing ability, is welcome at Mediocre. They always warmly embrace new members.

“We have people from all walks of life. I think that’s a really good thing,” Honor said. “We are truly a democracy at Mediocre. Everyone’s opinion is valued. We do solos by whoever wants to do it. It’s not about who’s the best.”

The group’s practices reflect its philosophy, as it only practices for half an hour each week. 

“Sarah and I arrange the music, and we have as much musical talent as someone who did chorus in middle school,” Honor said. “The first thing we do is go around and tell each other about our mediocre moment of the week.”

The “mediocre moment of the week” is a weekly tradition. Each member shares an occasion from the past week that epitomized mediocrity. Car troubles and tripping on the stairs are common topics.

Mediocre has sung a variety of songs, from emotional ballads to Jason Aldean’s “Big Green Tractor.” During a practice at the beginning of the semester, they vote on the four songs that they will perform for their concert. 

Mediocre will perform in the Mary Low Coffee House during the first week of December. The group’s concerts mix some decent singing with a lot of fun.

“We’re there to have a good time, and we hope that everyone in the crowd does, too. We definitely embrace the comedic value,” Bozuwa said.

They often wear goofy clothing and rarely memorize full songs. Because no one wants to hear all of a song, Bozuwa theorized, they usually sing only the chorus and first verse. Mediocre’s singers sometimes do not even remember the parts they practiced. Reading lines off of phones is common. 

“We always dress a little crazy, with a hodge-podge of outfits. We embrace mediocrity. We go up there and give it our all even though we know we’re not the best,” Honor said. “Everyone is ready to make a fool of themselves.”

While the audience at Mediocre’s concerts can not count on hearing the best singing, they can depend on having a good time.

~ Matt Rocha `23