UGA Accidentals

"The Accidentals" are an all-male collegiate a cappella group. Formed in 1974, the Accidentals are the oldest a cappella group at the University of Georgia. The Accidentals are typically anywhere from 12 to 17 members and hold auditions every fall and occasionally at the end of the spring
History.
The Accidentals were formed in 1974 when the Director of The University of Georgia Men's University of Georgia Men's Glee Club, Dr. E. Pierce Arant, Jr. decided to liven up the concerts a bit by having a feature quartet. Over time the quartet grew to eight members, then twelve. In the mid-1980s Paul Tate joined the group and began to arrange more contemporary pop music for the group, a big change from the typical barbershop and spiritual music the group was used to doing with the Men's Glee Club. The Accidentals were widely heralded for their 1992 performance of "A Mighty Fortress" as arranged by the group Glad.
Paul Tate took up the Directorship of the Accidentals in 1993 and proceeded to whip the 12 members into shape. That year also brought about a landmark event: the Accidentals' first album, "On The Map", which was only available on cassette, and sold out quickly. The group put out their second album the next year: "S.O.L.D. O.U.T. (Songs Of Liberty, Devotion, and Other Universal Truths)". The album was a great improvement over "On The Map" and gave the Accidentals a more polished and professional sound. The next year brought the Accidentals' third album in three years: "Songs From Uncle Paul's Cabin".
In the spring of 1996, the Accidentals' first annual Invitational concert, UGAPALOOZA! The guest groups included The UNC Tar Heel Voices and The William & Mary Gentlemen of the College. In 1997 the Accidentals competed in their first a cappella competition, the southeast regional of The National Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (now the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella), and walked away with First Place, and a Best Arrangement Award for Paul Tate's "Blessing."
In January 2001 the Accidentals released their first Christmas album, "Meanwhile, Back at Christmas...", which was recorded live at the Accidentals' Christmas Concert in Edge Recital Hall on December 2, 2000.
Since 2000 the Accidentals have shifted their musical style away from their Glee Club origins towards a more contemporary pop sound, while also becoming completely student directed. They have been a continuous presence in Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, and have continuously grown and improved as competitors each year they competed, culminating with ICCA Finals appearances in 2010, where they received 3rd place overall, and 2012. The Accidentals have used their experiences and success in ICCAs to meet and connect with other a cappella groups around the country, and have frequently been guest groups at colleges all across the southeast and up the east coast. They have also released several pop albums over the years:"PDA (Public Displays of A Cappella)" (2000), "None of the Above" (2004), "14 and Change" (2006), "Imprint" (2009), "A Gentleman's Game" (2011), and "Tune Down For What" (2014).
Awards.
International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella
SOJAM A Cappella Festival