Background

Not Too Sharp is an all-male a cappella group from the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. Begun in 2002, the group performs live on the UNH campus, at other colleges, and for fundraisers, shows, businesses, and private parties in the New Hampshire community. Their annual benefit show supports the American Cancer Society. The Recorded Acappella Review Board says of Not Too Sharp, “All male, slightly goofy and possessed of an infectious energy… Charisma just drips out of the speakers.”

History

UNH students Jamie Saucier '03, Jason Reed '05 and Kevin Cleary '05 conceived the group during a trip with the UNH Chorus to perform background vocals at a Barry Manilow concert in Manchester. A discussion of a friend who had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable but treatable cancer, led them to gather a group who could perform to raise money for cancer research.

The original group decided to perform a new twist on classic Barbershop-style music – something that could distinguish them from the other a cappella groups on campus at the time - and the a cappella group known as Not Too Sharp was born.

The very first show was held in the basement floor of Congreve Hall in 2002. The group rehearsed during the walk across campus, and relied on paper music during the show. This was the first of over 25 concerts for the group in their first year, earning them recognition as “the group who sings everywhere." The group’s first Big Show was held May 3rd, 2003, in UNH's Johnson Theatre, hosted by members of fellow group Alabaster Blue. Over 200 people attended this first semester-culminating show, raising $2,000 dollars for the ACS.

Since the first year, the group has continued to perform live around the region, including commencements, weddings, private parties, and even the New Hampshire State House. Their audiences have included school kids, the elderly, and fellow college students.

Music

The group was barbershop-based in its early days. The first album, "On Our Way," consisted of many such traditional barbershop arrangements. It was released in 2003, during the group's first year in existence. The songs were recorded live in the MUB Theater.

A self-titled album released in 2006 reflected the group's growing interest in popular modern music. Fall Out Boy’s track “Sugar, We’re Going Down” and classic rock like The Eagles’ “Hotel California” appeared alongside barbershop arrangements like “Chordbuster’s March." The 2009 album "Shifting Gears" completed the group’s move away from its traditional barbershop roots, with tracks like Spoon’s “The Underdog” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Gone.” A unique arrangement of The Doobie Brothers’ “Black Water” also demonstrated the group’s venturous nature.

Live, the group continues to sport a varietous repertoire and their trademark upbeat humor.

Philanthropy

Since the group was founded, one of its major goals has been to benefit cancer research. As a result, each year all the revenue from Big Shows goes to the American Cancer Society, leading to an annual contribution of approximately $1,000. The group also aims to support other causes, be it by performing at other organizations' benefit events, or by collecting toys for UNH's Wildcat Santa toy drive.

Auditions

Since the group consists of only current UNH students, graduating students must be replaced each year, leading to a constantly rotating lineup. Any UNH undergraduate is invited to audition. To stay up to date on auditions and other group news, become a fan of NTS on Facebook. For more information about auditioning, email us.