Latest News:

We’re auditioning!

May 3rd, 2012

Want to be the newest talented member of Cog Res? We are auditioning all voices, and we’re looking for singers who are:

flexible on voice parts and capable of superior ensemble blending
comfortable on solos and capable of performing with a strong stage presence
solid musicians able to learn new music quickly
ready for a serious commitment and dedicated to rehearsing weekly and practicing on their own time
willing to travel to regional/national events

Previous a cappella experience, leadership experience, vocal percussion, and arranging skills are all definite bonuses. We rehearse on Wednesday nights in Western Raleigh, are a proud member of the Contemporary A Cappella League, and our current repertoire ranges from current Top 40 hits to indie gems to classic favorites.

Feel like we’re talking about you? E-mail us at auditions@CognitiveResonanceACappella.com to schedule an audition. We look forward to hearing from you!

Cognitive Resonance was formed in January of 2011 and is a proud member of the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America’s Contemporary A Cappella League. The group's roster of seasoned performers strives to make emotional connections via music with audiences throughout the Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill in North Carolina.

News

We’re auditioning!

May 3rd, 2012

Want to be the newest talented member of Cog Res? We are auditioning all voices, and we’re looking for singers who are:

flexible on voice parts and capable of superior ensemble blending
comfortable on solos and capable of performing with a strong stage presence
solid musicians able to learn new music quickly
ready for a serious commitment and dedicated to rehearsing weekly and practicing on their own time
willing to travel to regional/national events

Feel like we’re talking about you? E-mail us at auditions@CognitiveResonanceACappella.com to schedule an audition. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sojam!!!

November 17th, 2011

Cognitive Resonance had an amazing time this past weekend attending Sojam A Cappella Festival in Durham, NC. Many thanks to Amanda Aldag and Tom Keyes of CASA for the expert coaching during our masterclass on Saturday!

We’re Auditioning!

August 24th, 2011

We’ll be holding auditions on Sept. 10th, 2011! See the main page for more information.

Welcome New Members!

August 5th, 2011

Welcome to our newest members Brian Watts (Baritone/Tenor) and Kristen Clyburn (Alto)!

Website Refresh

March 4th, 2011

You might notice that things look…a little different around here . We’ve completely overhauled the website, and will slowly be rolling out more content, including audio, video, and photos, as well as more extensive member bio information. Please feel free to send us any feedback by clicking “Contact Us” at the very bottom of the page.

Our Members!

January 8th, 2011

We are excited and extremely proud to announce our roster of talented, passionate, and downright classy members: Misa Kajikawa, Kristin Sroka, Lacie Scofield, Lauren Thomason, Misty Jording, Mike Maykish, Kyle Hughes, Ed Corey, Duane Donders, John Hollingsworth and Directors, Jenn Fiduccia and Dave Sroka. Rehearsals start next week – we can’t wait! Stay tuned for a massive overhaul to the site, including member bios and pics!

"Of all the a cappella Meetups in all the world..."

In early 2010, fate threw together two people passionate about contemporary a cappella music. After watching the first season of "The Sing Off," Co-Founders Dave Sroka and Jenn Fiduccia coincidentally ended up at the same Meetup for a newly-forming Raleigh-based group. Quickly realizing that they shared the same passion for contemporary a cappella and fervor for producing high-quality music, the pair quickly moved to start a new mixed group.

"Smart a cappella."

Armed with over thirty combined years of musical experience, including Dave’s penchant for interesting arrangements and Jenn’s background in vocal performance, a plan for a new contemporary a cappella group in the collegiate style with a professional sound was hatched. With an emphasis on delivering a quality performance while still being entertaining, the group would be both rewarding for its members while challenging them musically. Thus, late in 2010, Cognitive Resonance was born and registered as an official member of the Contemporary A Cappella League (CAL.)

The Cogs

Lacie Scofield

Voice Part

Soprano

College Group

Emory University Aural Pleasure

Hometown

Columbia, MD

Day Job

Stay-at-Home Mom

Hobbies that aren't singing with Cog Res

Playing poker

First tape/cd/album purchased

Sting, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles"

Lacie has been singing in front of audiences since the tender age of 6. Her claim to fame is her membership in Aural Pleasure, Emory university"s oldest coed a cappella group. After college, Lacie went on to earn a Master"s Degree in Epidemiology (the study of disease) from UNC-Chapel Hill and worked for ten years in the field of women"s health, specifically breast cancer and heart disease. In addition to a cappella, Lacie also loves to perform in operas and musicals ("The Magic Flute," "The Mikado," "The Pirates of Penzance," "A Chorus Line," "Company," and "Cabaret) and has been a member and soloist in several classical choirs including the Chapel Hill Commnity Chorus and UNC"s Carolina Choir. Her training in classical voice (and perhaps her juggling and swing dancing skills?) is certainly useful for these endeavors. Lacie now stays at home full-time with her beautiful three-year-old daughter.

Lauren Thomason

Voice Part

Alto

College Group

UNC Psalm 100

Hometown

Davidson, NC

Day Job

Child Counselor

Hobbies that aren't singing with Cog Res

Hip Hop, Zumba

First tape/cd/album purchased

Ace of Base, "The Sign"

Although Lauren, the self-proclaimed "big kid," had dabbled with many different instruments (piano, guitar, mandolin,) she got her a cappella start at UNC with Psalm 100 where she sang both soprano and alto, and even threw down some beatboxing on a few songs. Since then, she has been leading worship at church and occasionally laying down vocal tracks for friends" recording projects. Lauren loves her job working as a children"s counselor because she gets paid to not only help kids and make a difference, but to play all day! To unwind, she dances, visits the beach, and enjoys singing mean karaoke duets with Ed. Lauren always shows up to rehearsal in her Birkenstocks with a shining smile and a great attitude even on the worst days - she is our resident "ray of sunshine."

Dave Sroka Director

Voice Part

Baritone

College

Virginia Tech

Hometown

Virginia Beach, VA

Day Job

Web Developer/Game Developer

Hobbies that aren't singing with Cog Res

Distance Running, Gaming

First tape/cd/album purchased

M.C. Hammer, "Please Hammer, Don't Hurt Em". That's right...taste.

Director Dave Sroka has been involved with musical performance nearly his entire life, starting with piano at age four, and moving through what seems like every instrumentation group since then. In college he sang with Virginia Tech"s Early Music Ensemble and sadly short-lived Camerata chamber ensemble. Dave fell in love with contemporary a cappella in college, irritating even his aca-friends with how much he wanted to discuss the form. In addition to Cognitive Resonance, Dave enjoys singing with Cantari, a select classical vocal ensemble based in Chapel Hill, NC, running very long distances because he"s crazy, and nerding out over games, books, and roller coasters.

John Hollingsworth

Voice Part

Bass

College

UNC Charlotte

Hometown

Taylorsville, NC

Day Job

IT Manager

Hobbies that aren't singing with Cog Res

Playing disc golf

First tape/cd/album purchased

AC/DC, "Back In Black"

John grew up in a musical family where everyone sang and played instruments. Although not as talented but easily as cute as the Von Trapps, the family would perform in church and in the community. Later as a bona fide "band geek" in his senior year of high school (Trumpet; everything else is just accompaniment), John was asked by Ron Vannoy, the choral director, to try out for the 16-voice Chamber Choir. He was accepted and had an absolute blast performing a cappella music. After singing in the university choirs at NC State and UNC-Charlotte, John went into a cappella hibernation. But that old black of singing had John in its spell. Over the next decade-ish, karaoke nights would often find John letting his inner crooner out. After his 35th trip around the sun, the spell was finally in full force. After singing for a few seasons with larger choirs in the Triangle area, John was delighted to find Cognitive Resonance.