Marist College’s a cappella groups—Sirens, The Enharmonics, and Time Check—are continuing to foster community and musical tradition on campus. These student-run ensembles, part of the Marist Music Department and Marist Singers, provide students from various majors with opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and artistic growth.
This fall marked the 30th anniversary of Time Check, Marist’s all-low voice a cappella group. The milestone was celebrated with a concert that brought together alumni and current members. Colin Martin ’26, one of Time Check’s current directors, described the experience as defining: “It truly is a surreal feeling,” he 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.”
Martin also reflected on how joining Time Check impacted his college life: “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.”
The anniversary event included performances and stories shared by alumni alongside current members. In addition to Time Check’s celebration, Sirens (all-treble voice) and The Enharmonics (all-voice) have performed at campus events such as Marist Singers’ Night on Broadway and Love in the Afternoon benefit concerts. They also host their own annual winter and spring concerts and participate in invitational showcases with other colleges.
Michael Napolitano, Interim Director and Assistant Director of Music at Marist College, highlighted the significance of these groups: “Music is one of the few disciplines that can be found in every part of Marist life,” he said. “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 joined Sirens seeking both musical fulfillment and community: “I joined not only to make incredible music, but to be surrounded by a close group of talented and passionate individuals,” she said. “Sirens is unique in their love for each other—apart from all the rehearsals, we’re one big friend group.”
First-year Katelyn Hogan ’29 echoed this sentiment: “Although I haven’t been here long, a cappella has already been such a significant part of my Marist experience,” she 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.”
Ian Osborne ’26, director of The Enharmonics, noted how supportive the different ensembles are toward each other: “It’s amazing to see how all of these groups show up for each other,” he said. “We collaborate, we cheer each other on, and we really take pride in the work we’re all doing.”
Students manage various aspects including musical arrangements, auditions, concert planning, and promotion—developing practical skills alongside their artistic ones.
Napolitano added: “Our musicians come from all walks of life. 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.”
Lindsey Mascia ’26 described directing Sirens as rewarding: “Being able to direct Sirens has taught me so much about teamwork and responsibility,” she said. “It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly fulfilling to see something you’ve built come to life on stage.”
As preparations continue for upcoming concerts—including an invitational performance at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—the groups are also looking ahead to recruiting new members in spring.
Colin Martin summarized his experience: “I have made some of the best memories that I will forever cherish because of Marist a cappella,” he said. “I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of it.”
