University's A Cappella Groups Bring Harmony to Campus

No Strings Attached and Tune In offer unique musical experiences through teamwork and competition.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The University of Alabama is home to two a cappella groups, No Strings Attached and Tune In, that are using only their voices to create music and build community on campus. No Strings Attached, the university's first co-ed a cappella group, focuses on developing a tight-knit group dynamic and putting on concerts each semester. Tune In, the university's second a cappella group, is competing in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella this spring, aiming to be the first UA group to participate.

Why it matters

A cappella groups provide students with an opportunity to express their love of music and connect with others through a shared passion. The groups foster a sense of community and allow students from diverse backgrounds to come together and create something meaningful. Competing in national competitions also helps raise the profile of the university's music scene.

The details

No Strings Attached has 20 members from various majors who cover songs from all genres. The group emphasizes teamwork and cultivating a strong bond both on and off the stage. Tune In is focused on competition and recording, in addition to concerts, and is the first UA a cappella group to participate in the prestigious ICCA competition.

  • No Strings Attached holds concerts every semester in December and April.
  • Tune In will be competing in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella this spring.

The players

No Strings Attached

The University of Alabama's first co-ed a cappella group, with 20 members from various majors and backgrounds.

Tune In

The University of Alabama's second a cappella group, focused on competition and recording in addition to concerts.

James Merchant

A junior studying civil engineering and the president of No Strings Attached.

Liam Hoxsie

A junior studying finance and the vice president of No Strings Attached.

Allie Besing

A sophomore majoring in economics and finance and the treasurer of No Strings Attached.

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What they’re saying

“It's way more impactful when you can grow and learn and make something beautiful with other people.”

— James Merchant, President of No Strings Attached (The Crimson White)

“One of our pillars of No Strings Attached is developing our community. We try to have a lot of social gatherings outside of rehearsal time so that we can all become friends.”

— Liam Hoxsie, Vice President of No Strings Attached (The Crimson White)

“Music is meant to be shared with and among other people. You're not only sharing it with an audience at your performance, but with each other, and you're talking about the meaning, each other's lives and how it's a reflection of your own human experience.”

— Faith Kirkland, Music Director for Tune In (The Crimson White)

What’s next

Tune In will be competing in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella this spring, aiming to be the first University of Alabama group to participate in the prestigious competition.

The takeaway

The a cappella groups at the University of Alabama are fostering a sense of community and musical expression, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to come together and create something unique. Their dedication to their craft and to supporting one another is a testament to the power of music to bring people together.