In the fall of 2003, a young BYU student named Esther Yoder decided to form a nine-member, all-female a cappella group on campus. At the time, there had been few to none all-female a cappella groups at BYU, and Esther wasn’t sure how popular the idea would be. Yet with only a few flyers posted about the auditions, more than 60 women showed up for the eight coveted spots.
On February 1, 2004, Noteworthy was born.
During its three-year existence, Noteworthy has seen tremendous growth. The group has competed in ICCA (International Championships for Collegiate a Cappella) multiple times, opened for Vocal Point’s De Jong show, had its own two-act show, and in December 2006 released its debut album, “On the Horizon.” Recently, a song on this album, “Kaval Sviri,” was nominated for the prestigious CARA (Contemporary a Cappella Recording Awards) in the Female Collegiate Song category.
“On the Horizon” is the accumulation of two and a half years of hard work from the 21 girls who have participated over the years and four directors who have helped them. With nine hours of rehearsal every week, these Noteworthy ladies strive for excellence in their sound, choreography, and teamwork. With frequent performances, and busy school lives, they somehow managed to put 60 to 80 hours into recording, self-mixing, and self-producing. They all sacrificed and donated money in some way to keep the dream of a CD alive. One dedicated member, Ashley Tanabe, even collected cans to recycle during her summer vacation. She raised $400 to aid in the effort.
The sacrifices, as one can hear from the CD, were well worth it. These ladies have managed to sound simultaneously sweet, compelling, soulful, and wholesome. From low basses to high trumpets, from strong soloists to incredible vocal percussion, they come together in a blend that is exceptionally moving.
They sing pop hits such as “Isn’t She Lovely,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Survivor,” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” On top of that they also sing a poignant rendition of the Lord of the Rings‘ “Into the West.” Noteworthy has sung this song every year because of its Christian message of the existence of a heavenly world after death. They also sing several spiritual numbers such as “Where Can I Turn for Peace,” and “How Great Thou Art,” which testify powerfully of their faith in Christ.
Noteworthy does not simply strive to sing well. They also know the power that music can have in bringing listeners to Christ, and they endeavor to uplift all that hear them. They also commit to uphold modest and virtuous lives in order to prove the value of womanhood and the family.
While focusing on lifting listeners up, they can’t but lift each other up during the process. Ellen Alleman, one of the first members, said, “The connections I made while a part of the group helped me get through hard times in my life, and the friends I made in the group will always be a part of my life.”
Catherine Papworth, a member from 2004 to 2006 (nd the current director), affirmed, “Noteworthy has given me the best friends I could ever have in the world. It’s given me a way to express my passion for music and for lighting up people’s lives. Noteworthy has been a safe haven for me, a sisterhood of women who truly care about each other, music, and the gospel. I wouldn’t ever trade this experience. It’s meant so much to me.”
“A cappella club fees: $5
Black skirts and green tees: $80
Gas money to San Francisco: $50
Gaining life long friends and learning to love myself and my Savior: Priceless!”
Noteworthy has worked hard to become noteworthy, and their debut CD, “On the Horizon,” is proof of their success. “On the Horizon” can be purchased through their website at www.noteworthyladies.com. Simply click on the “Discography” link to listen to a sample clip, and use PayPal to purchase this jewel of a cappella music. Noteworthy truly is a cappella at its finest.
