By JENNIFER SVENDSEN
svendsen@du2.byu.edu
A group of BYU students and alumni has performed at every McDonalds between Provo and San Francisco, Calif., singing 'McDonalds Girl.' They call themselves 'InsideOut,' and they have a CD on the way.
In the winter of 1997, eight BYU students formed InsideOut. They wanted to sing and perform without instruments -- using only their voices.
Each member of the original group was involved in one of BYU's many choirs, such as the men's chorus or another musical ensemble. A year later, the group changed to a six-man ensemble and established their current style.
InsideOut has performed at Wrapsody, numerous BYU events, Ricks college and, most recently, at the Special Olympics. The group has performed for both small and large audiences including an appearance on national television. InsideOut has also been scheduled to perform at the Republican Party pep rally.
Their repertoire consists of original and popular songs, including music from James Taylor and Seal. They sing songs such as 'Coal Mine,' 'Rubber Ducky,' 'The Promise,' 'Somebody' and 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight.'
InsideOut is currently producing their first CD and expects it to be released by July 4. It will be composed of about 12 songs, both original and cover.
Five of the group members currently attend BYU and one has graduated. They are additionally involved in student government, university clubs, community service organizations and a comedy group.
Kimball Brown, a junior from Sugar City, Idaho, majoring in English, is a tenor for the group. He plays the drums, guitar and piano. He also writes and produces many of his own songs.
'One of the purposes of our music is just to provide good entertainment for people -- something that they won't have to feel like they are compromising their standards to listen to it. We want to uplift people by our music,' he said.
'Music is something each of us wants to keep in our lives forever,' Brown said. 'As long as the group is at BYU, they want to continue to perform and have a good time.'
Ben Haacke, a junior from Sugar City, majoring in fine arts, is also a tenor for the group. He has sung at school and church functions since age six. He has sung in Concert Choral at Ricks, BYU Men's Chorus and with another vocal group.
'My brother introduced me to a cappella music and it just gets into your blood,' he said.
Ben's brother Lane Haacke, a recent graduate of BYU from Sugar City, is a Baritone for the group. He has been singing his whole life and has been involved in a cappella music for several years. He has also sung in several other vocal groups.
'This is probably something I'd continue to do for a long time,' he said. He also said it is possible that InsideOut will do quite well.
Paul Hatch, a junior from Bountiful, majoring in Public Relations, is also a tenor for the group. He has sung in the BYU Men's Chorus and with another a cappella group before InsideOut.
Ryan Hinton, a recent graduate of BYU from Mesa, Ariz., is the bass for the group. He began singing in choir in the ninth grade and says he has been hooked on it ever since.
Jason Smith, a junior from Idaho Falls, Idaho, majoring in computer science, is the vocal percussion and a baritone for the group. He makes the 'funny noises' for the group and has been making these noises for 23 years.
For information on InsideOut including upcoming performances, visit its web site at inside_out@efortress.com.