The Ramifications filled Modern Theater with holiday spirit Dec. 5 with the help from fellow a capella groups. Their annual Winter Wonder Rams show featured performances by Suffolk’s own Soulfully Versed and Ramblers Chamber Choir as well as groups from neighboring schools.
The Ramifications kicked off the show with their rendition of Pentatonix’s “Mary Did You Know?” Which the club’s leaders Madison Carr and Nate Kelleher said quickly became a group favorite as they practiced in the stairwells of Sawyer.
Winter Wonder Rams delivered a blend of holiday classics and modern favorites. The Simmons Sirens, an award-winning a capella group from Simmons University, performed a Chappel Roan medley. Emerson’s Achoired Taste, University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Hawkapella and Emmanuel’s For Good Measure also contributed to the tunes.
The Ramifications have grown a lot over the past few years, said Carr and Kelleher. Carr, the business manager and treasure, and Kelleher, the music director and event producer, loved being able to invite a capella groups from other Boston schools.
“A lot of them, in their bios, said that they were happy to be back because we’ve made friends and we’ve invited some of them back multiple times,” Kelleher said.
The Ramifications appreciate the diverse styles the other groups bring to the stage. Suffolk’s Soulfully Versed Co-President, Brady Hurvitz, also enjoyed being able to hear what other a capella groups have been working on.
“It’s cool to hear a cappella from our school, a cappella from different schools all over Boston,” Hurvitz said.
Carr and Kelleher said this year’s winter show was much bigger than previous years. They wanted to make sure the visiting a cappella groups had a positive experience despite the theater being overwhelmed with around 90 performers.
Everyone in the hot, crowded basement maintained happy spirits, especially when they all came together to rehearse “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” at intermission. This was the first year Winter Wonder Rams ended with a performance of the holiday classic, sung by all the featured groups. Kelleher said the festive nature of the show helps build community.
“We always prioritize making it a fun experience for both the audience and for the people on stage, and I think it also helps that it’s Christmas themed,” Kelleher said.
Modern Theater was filled with attendees, but audiences could hear the holiday magic remotely through the live stream as well. Though setting up the live stream added to the already hectic preparations, Carr is thankful it is something they offered.
“It’s really special for me to be able to make sure we have that livestream so that, you know, my mom and dad can watch,” Carr said.
Whether they watched the show in person or tuned in from the live stream, Carr and Kelleher spoke for the Ramifications when they expressed their gratitude for everyone that supported.
“We would be happy to sing alone in a classroom, but it’s so gratifying to sing in front of an audience and to have our friends and family hear what we’ve worked on,” Carr said.
Soulfully Versed’s other Co-President, Jemima Verdier, enjoyed being included.
“We’re always so grateful to get to collab with them, and we’re big fans of them, so seeing what they put on is always fabulous,” Verdier said.
Hurvitz spoke on the consistent success of Winter Wonder Rams too.
“We’re always thankful for them for throwing this big show. It’s always a hit,” Hurvitz said.
This show concluded the semester for the Ramifications, but the a cappella group has big plans for the spring as it will be celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Kelleher and Carr, whom other Ramification members lovingly call “Mom” and “Dad,” hope to upgrade to bigger venues and potentially invite former members and alumni to celebrate.
Carr also mentioned that they are trying to record a new EP, which wouldn’t just benefit the group, but also Suffolk University as a whole.
“We are all sick of ‘Break Away’ by Kelly Clarkson being the song we all hear every time we call any department,” Carr said, lightheartedly.
