Emerson Pieper, staff writer

Formed in September, acappella group Twin Cities Treble is still new, but its members have already spent months shaping something entirely their own. Rehearsing multiple times a week and building their setlist from the ground up, the group is preparing for its first major performance. “We’re a new group… so I’m super excited for people to finally get to hear our sound in a public way,” said member Salma Gelle.

The group, primarily made of women in their 20s and 30s, meets multiple times a week, balancing rehearsals with arranging, planning and building a setlist from scratch. Unlike more established ensembles, the Twin City Treble operates collaboratively. Members submit song ideas, vote on selections and work with music directors who arrange each piece specifically for the group.

Their upcoming spring showcase reflects that range, featuring songs like “Dog Days Are Over,” “Smooth Operator,” “Rumor Has It” and a mash-up one mixing “Always Be My Baby” with “Chosen Family.” The group will also include an opener, the group Urban Sound, bringing things full circle, given that the Twin Cities Treble had their first performance opening for Urban Sound.

For newer members, the process has also meant stepping outside of their comfort zones. One member who happens to be a senior here at Augsburg, Gelle, joined without prior experience in choir or acappella, describing the environment as initially intimidating. Over time, however, that challenge had turned into an opportunity for her.

After going through the group’s audition process—which includes both live and recorded rounds depending on the song and how many people are trying for it—Gelle was selected as the soloist for “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean. The selection process focuses not just on vocal ability but on matching each voice to the tone and style of a song. As the performance approaches, there is a mix of nerves and excitement across the group, especially for those taking on solos for the first time. Still, the emphasis remains on performing together rather than individually.

More than anything, members point to the sense of connection within the group as what makes the experience stand out. Asking their thoughts on the group, this is what Gelle has stated: “Music aside, the community is… You can’t really compare it to anything else.” The sense of community is intentional. With members coming from different backgrounds and stages of life, the group prioritizes creating a supportive environment, both in and outside of rehearsals.

The group’s performance will take place at South High School on May 2 at 6 p.m. pm, located just minutes from campus, making it an accessible event for students here and community members alike to attend. Tickets are priced at $8 for early purchase, $10 for general admission, and $6 for students and seniors, with free entry for children under five. In addition to the music, the event will feature a bake sale and a merchandise table with items designed by group members.

For those interested in attending or learning more about the acappella group, Twin Cities Treble also shares updates and information through their social media on Instagram @twincitiestreble. For audiences, the showcase offers more than just a lineup of songs. It is a first look at a group still in its early stages, figuring out its sound. And for Twin Cities Treble, it is the moment where months of practice finally leave the rehearsal room and reach an audience.

Formed in September, a cappella group ‘Twin Cities Treble’ is still new, but its members have already spent months shaping something entirely their own. Rehearsing multiple times a week and building their setlist from the ground up, the group is preparing for its first major performance. “We’re a new group… so I’m super excited for people to finally get to hear our sound in a public way,” said member Salma Gelle.

The group, primarily made of women in their 20s and 30s, meets multiple times a week, balancing rehearsals with arranging, planning and building a setlist from scratch. Unlike more established ensembles, the Twin City Treble operates collaboratively. Members submit song ideas, vote on selections, and work with music directors who arrange each piece specifically for the group.

Their upcoming spring showcase reflects that range, featuring songs like “Dog Days Are Over,” “Smooth Operator,” “Rumor Has It,” and a mash-up one mixing “Always Be My Baby” with “Chosen Family.” The group will also include an opener, the group Urban Sound, bringing things full circle, given that the Twin Cities Treble had their first performance opening for Urban Sound.

For newer members, the process has also meant stepping outside of their comfort zones. One member who happens to be a senior here at Augsburg, Salma, joined without prior experience in choir or a capella, describing the environment as initially intimidating. Over time, however, that challenge had turned into an opportunity for her.

After going through the group’s audition process—which includes both live and recorded rounds depending on the song and how many people are trying for it—Salma was selected as the soloist for “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean. The selection process focuses not just on vocal ability but on matching each voice to the tone and style of a song. As the performance approaches, there’s a mix of nerves and excitement across the group, especially for those taking on solos for the first time. Still, the emphasis remains on performing together rather than individually.

More than anything, members point to the sense of connection within the group as what makes the experience stand out. Asking their thoughts on the group, this is what Salma has stated: “Music aside, the community is… You can’t really compare it to anything else.” The sense of community is intentional. With members coming from different backgrounds and stages of life, the group prioritizes creating a supportive environment, both in and outside of rehearsals.

The sense of community is intentional. With members coming from different backgrounds and stages of life, the group prioritizes creating a supportive environment, both in and outside of rehearsals.

Emerson Pieper

The group’s performance will take place at South High School on May 2nd at 6:00 pm, located just minutes from campus, making it an accessible event for students here and community members alike to attend. Tickets are priced at $8 for early purchase, $10 for general admission, and $6 for students and seniors, with free entry for children under five. In addition to the music, the event will feature a bake sale and a merchandise table with items designed by group members.

For those interested in attending or learning more about the a cappella group, Twin Cities Treble also shares updates and information through their social media on Instagram (@twincitiestreble). For audiences, the showcase offers more than just a lineup of songs. It’s a first look at a group still in its early stages, figuring out its sound. And for Twin Cities Treble, it’s the moment where months of practice finally leave the rehearsal room and reach an audience.