In the Spring of 1998, a musical theatre student named Marc Smollin decided to form an a cappella group. His goal was to have a musical ensemble that not only would perform contemporary a cappella, but also would explore musical tastes that were less mainstream at the University of Michigan, such as blues and vocal jazz. With the help of two producers, Michael Newberry and Heidi J. Powers, and the musical advice of friend Jessica Murphy, he auditioned over 100 U-M students for what was then an unknown and unnamed group. One month later, the name "Rollicking Crew" was chosen, with intentions of being reflective of the UM spirit. This name, however, failed to exemplify the uniqueness and diversity the group upheld. Hence, a new name, "Dicks and Janes," was chosen in August 1998. Since October 2000, Dicks and Janes have hosted "Acappellooza", an a cappella invitational concert that brings other collegiate a cappella groups from across the country to Ann Arbor to perform. In addition to Acappellooza, Dicks and Janes also puts on a concert during each semester, and goes on tour during each spring break. Past tours have taken them to the East Coast, California, and the Southeast. They have performed with and remained close contacts with many groups across the country. The DJs have also had the privilege to sing with professional a cappella groups such as Rockapella, Blue Jupiter, and ElmoTHUMM. In addition, Dicks and Janes also performs in many venues around Ann Arbor, including nursing homes, corporate events, Welcome Week events for the University of Michigan, sporting events, and multiple other campus functions.
For the past twelve years, Dicks and Janes has advanced to the quarterfinals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. In the 2012 competition, the Dicks and Janes placed first overall at the Michigan Quarterfinal, followed by second overall at the Midwest Semifinal in St. Louis. In 2007 Mike Rowan took the award for Outstanding Arrangement, Antwaun Stanley received Outstanding Soloist in 2006, 2008, and 2009, and Suresh Mohan received Outstanding Vocal Percussion in 2007. In 2006, they also received Outstanding Soloist, and Outstanding Arrangement. At the 2004 competition, they also walked away with awards for Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Arrangement, and Outstanding Vocal Percussion. Most recently in 2018, the DJs achieved third place at the ICCA quarterfinal in Ann Arbor, MI. They were also awarded Best Vocal Percussion.
Members
The members of Dicks and Janes are selected through a closed audition process. Once a member is selected by the group, the member may choose to accept or decline membership. The term of a member lasts as long as they are a student at the University, or until they leave the group voluntarily. The group is governed by a constitution, which was drawn up by the founding members. The constitution clearly legislates the processes of leadership within the group, as well as all policies of the group. The constitution spells out the leadership as such:
Music Director - Runs all rehearsals, makes any decisions regarding the music or repertoire of the group.
President - Serves as the official representative of the group, resolves any internal disputes.
Business Manager - manages all public functions of the group, including publicity, concert booking, and financial records.
Secretary - Maintains attendance records, and sees to other organizational duties when necessary.
Leadership positions are elected by the group at the Annual meeting, at the end of each school year.
Compilation Albums
In the world of Collegiate A Cappella, one very common status symbol among groups is to have a track featured on the annual Best of Collegiate A Cappella compilation albums. Dicks and Janes has received three such honors:
