Meet Fundamentally Sound:

Fundamentally Sound (FS) is UW-Madison’s only competitive lower-voiced a cappella group. Founded in 2005, the group celebrates a dynamic blend between complex musical arrangements and high-energy performance. FS is always thrilled to showcase its ability to push the boundaries of collegiate a cappella while remaining confident in its suspender-clad tradition.

FS started as a combination of two groups: "Clap Anyways" (formed by Stu Covi in 2004) and an unnamed group assembled by Vince Machi. The groups were linked by Alex Aderman, who was recruited by Stu and friends with Vince. Rehearsals began in the Chadbourne Hall basement, as we were not permitted to use the Humanities rooms. In the beginning, FS went through a series of transformations and growing pains, but we differentiated ourselves as a group devoted to creating intricate arrangements and staying on the cutting edge of the collegiate a cappella scene. Since the group was formed, we have sung with peers such as the Nor‘easters and Voices in Your Head, travelled the country, and established ourselves as a competitive powerhouse in the Great Lakes region of the ICCA (International Competition of Collegiate A Cappella).

Fundamentally Sound has continued to expand its presence through innovative arrangements and high-energy performances. In 2020, the group placed 3rd at the ICCA Finals, marking the first time a UW–Madison ensemble advanced to that stage. In 2021, FS transitioned from an all-male ensemble to a gender-inclusive lower-voiced group, welcoming the full range of tenor, baritone, and bass singers in Madison. In 2022, the group began posting on TikTok, gaining over 500,000 followers in less than a year. In 2023, FS was flown to New York City to collaborate with the video game Genshin Impact and also opened for The Kid LAROI. In 2024, the group released its fifth studio album, Crossing the Rubicon, accompanied by a music video. Most recently, FS reached 3rd place in the ICCA Semifinals, coming within two spots of returning to New York City.

Fundamentally Sound is dedicated to performing at the highest level while never losing sight of what matters most: having fun together. Being part of the FS Family is an unforgettable experience, and with each new year, the possibilities only grow. Make your mark by auditioning this Fall!

True or False

TRUE! All of our musical arrangements are in-house, meaning the only people who arrange our music are current or former members of FS
FALSE! In fact, double it. There are EIGHT A Cappella groups registered as RSOs at UW-Madison. Each of which have their own niche. We love our a cappella friends dearly. If you’re looking to auditon for a cappella there is bound to be a group for you! Fundamentally Sound is the only lower-voiced, competitive a cappella group on campus.
True. Every January, right before the semester starts, we hit the road for a two-week tour of high schools across Wisconsin. Tour is hands-down one of our favorite traditions. It’s basically two weeks of singing, goofing off, and living on way too much Kwik Trip. In between learning our ICCA choreography, we’re playing games, bonding with other groups, and making memories that keep us laughing all semester! Similar to that is our Fall retreat, where we get to know the Mutes (new members) a bit better and having a blast doing it!