Femmatas Overtake College Station with Harmonious Voices
College Station, Texas – The sound of sweet harmonies filled the air this past Sunday as The Femmatas, a talented a cappella group from Texas A&M University, performed at OUToberfest, a vibrant pride festival celebrating community diversity. This lively event showcased the group’s passion for music and for spreading joy, making it clear why they’re a beloved fixture in the Bryan-College Station area.
Connection Beyond Music
The Femmatas, which began as an all-female group, now invites anyone who sings in the treble clef to audition, creating a sense of openness and inclusivity. This year, Ariella Jarrett, a bioenvironmental sciences senior and president of The Femmatas, shared, “We are literally just a group of friends who want to sing. It doesn’t even feel like a chore. It’s just going to rehearsal and making music with my friends.” That camaraderie resonates with each member, creating an encouraging environment that prioritizes friendship over competition.
New member Claire Gibson, a freshman majoring in ecology and conservation biology, felt an instant connection to the group. “I saw their booth from the [Memorial Student Center], and I really liked the energy,” Gibson recalled. “And I could tell that it was gonna be a good fit. I’m really happy to have found a music group on campus that I could keep up with.”
A Platform for Growth
The Femmatas make a concerted effort to go beyond mere performances; they focus on building a community. When not rehearsing, the group organizes bonding retreats, where they rent Airbnbs to unwind and collaborate artistically. Over the years, they’ve recorded two extended plays (EPs) available on Apple Music and Spotify, featuring popular songs like “Ocean Eyes” and “Put Your Records On.” These recordings aren’t just for show; they represent the collective effort and talent pouring from the group.
Creativity in Action
Ariella revealed that the creativity showcased by the members isn’t limited to performances. Members have the chance to create their own arrangements for group songs. Statistics sophomore Zoeya Sardar expressed how proud she felt making her arrangement. “One was making my first arrangement for the group, and we’re about to start learning that right now,” she said, adding that crafting her first beatbox part was another major milestone. “Those were two things that I would never think about doing at the same time.”
The next opportunity for fans to catch The Femmatas live is at Spookappella, a free a cappella event scheduled for October 25. The concert will highlight both the Femmatas and Apotheosis, the all-male a cappella group at Texas A&M, creating an evening filled with exciting performances.
Making an Impact in the Community
Not only do the Femmatas perform at fun events, but they also engage in causes that matter to them. Their performances during events such as OUToberfest and Take Back The Night help support different Aggie communities, spreading joy and advocacy through their music. “We like to spread joy among the community,” mentioned Sardar. “Our concerts are kind of open to everyone who goes here, so it’s just a nice way for people to kind of wind down and enjoy some music.”
A Family of Friends
The Femmatas offer much more than musical talent; they provide members with a family-like support system. “I just really found my people,” Jarrett shared, highlighting the safe and welcoming environment that the group fosters. “It’s really crazy. That’s what Femmatas is about – growth.”
As they head into their performances and future projects, The Femmatas continue to hone their craft while creating lasting friendships and making a meaningful impact in their community. It’s not just about the music; it’s about becoming part of something bigger together. Whether you’re beatboxing alongside a friend or arranging a new song, The Femmatas are a reminder that music, camaraderie, and community can harmonize beautifully.
