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DMaC is the acronym for DePaul Men's a Cappella.

It began as an idea. DMaC is the brainchild of Amanda Consol (MUS 06) and Joshua Grode (MUS 06). In February of 2003 they went to the Valentine's concert of Northwestern's a cappella groups on the NU campus. From that experience they realized what DePaul lacked.

It wasn't until months later that the first practice took place. The first concept of what would be DMaC was a four-member, all-male group. In attendance at that first rehearsal were Amanda Consol, Josh Grode, Froilan Landeros, Rich Peralta, and Eric Werner. Nothing major was accomplished, as the Spring term was ending shortly, but a foundation was formed.

Come Fall of 2003 another member was brought on. Carlos Michelotti joined forces with Josh to forge the modern-day DMaC. Just as school was starting that fall, plans were being put into place to audition. Together Amanda, Carlo, and Josh heard a number of men try out. In an effort to continue the original image of DMaC only a few members were selected. It was very shortly thereafter when it was realized that in order to create a strong group the first-thought model had to be traded for a much different approach. Amanda decided to take a smaller role in the group, and let Josh and Carlo take the helm. More men were brought on--some who had auditioned, some not. Finally, ten guys were put together to finally show the world what DMaC was all about.

It must be mentioned here that there is one very special founding member who has been left out to this point. Her name is Theresa Minick. In the fall of 2003, as the group was just getting its bearings and coming into its own, Theresa expressed an interest--and was gratefully invited--to become the accompanist for the group. Her input and steadfast presence at rehearsals was a key to the early success of the ensemble. As often as she was thanked, it was definitely not enough. Her legacy will live on as the only woman aside from the Co-founder Amanda in DMaC.

So, throughout the fall DMaC sang at a number of Men's and Women's basketball games and other DePaul sporting events. Also, the tradition of singing Valentine's Day telegrams as a fundraiser was begun. It was a huge success and really served as a tool to propagate DMaC's name to the wider student body. This was a warm up to the world premiere concert that would take place in May of 2004.

In attendance as performers at the concert were the following: Samuel Borgmeyer, Matt Bush, Roberto Carrillo, Eric Engblade, Eric Field, Joshua Grode, Carlo Michelotti, Dale Ramsey, Ciriaco Uriostegui. The performance was in conjunction with DePaul a Cappella, and set a precedent for the future of the group.

Rehearsals were re-initiated in the fall and new members were brought on. Two concerts were given in the fall of 2004, and two more in the winter and spring quarters each. DMac had finally become a regularly performing group. With each concert the group grew in ability and showmanship. Another year past and concerts were hitting well over 100 people in attendance. Something else was conceived this year, the DePaul Woman's a Cappella. They were the perfect counterpart to DMaC and allowed collaboration for concerts to broaden the fan base even more. This was also the year of Biff McPonis. He was an imaginary friend of Eric Engblade, and would somehow write his name all over our music.

In the fall of 2005 a core group was formed and once again auditions were held to add a few more guys to replace those who had left. The largest the group ever reached was 16 plus Theresa. Over the years more women became involved in the group, and it is appropriate here to mention at least one. Stephanie Berube became an integral support to the group working at the concerts and being an amazing cheerleader. She was a wonderful motivation to her 'lost boys' and helped raise DMaC to the status they now enjoyed.

It was in January of 2006 that the group's founder, Joshua Grode, left the group for a quarter, and while his presence was missed the group went on to put on a wonderful Valentine's concert. It was after this that the group swung into high gear. A few members who had been on hiatus came back for the Spring quarter, and the entire group put on the biggest concert to date.

Towards the end of the Spring quarter, after having the Multi Purpose room reserved for over a year a concert was put on to cement DMaC's place at DePaul. Over 250 people attended the concert. This event was monumental for a number of reasons. Not only was it the biggest, but a new sense of class had come to the group. They had come a long way from the hooded-sweatshirts of 2004. The group, now decked out in ties and under the stage lights performed a wonderful concert that included new songs, and some that had been sung since day one. It was at this concert, also, that DMaC said goodbye to its first graduating seniors. Sam Borgmeyer, Eric Engblade, and Joshua Grode bid their farewells at this concert. They had been founding members and had put much of their lives into the group. They were sad to go, but knew that DMaC was in good hands.

It should be mentioned that a number of recordings exist of various performances and rehearsals. A total of 57 tracks had been laid down by the end of 2006. From two rehearsal sessions in the early days, 12 tracks exist of 10 songs. There are also 9 songs from the World Premier Concert in the Spring of 2004, 12 songs from the Spring 2005 concert, another 8 from the Valentines concert of 2006 and 16 more from the only official recording--done in the Summer of 2006. In total 30 different songs have been laid down, but there are a number of songs DMaC has sang that were never archived. Among these are 'I'm Gonna Be' (500 Miles), 'Ave Maria' (Biebl), 'In the Jungle' (Wemoweh), the DePaul school song, and the Doug theme song.