ASHLEY RAPPLEYEA / Scroll
Pop Rox performs at an exhibition show during Guitars Unplugged. Members of Pop Rox change every semester, but the style remains appealing to BYU-Idaho students.

A cappella group, Pop Rox, finds its musical niche at BYU-Idaho

by Catherine Loveland LOV03006@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Female screams erupted from the crowd as they began performing the “My Girl” proposal at this semester’s Guitars Unplugged.

Pop Rox has been providing music and entertainment to the BYU-Idaho campus since 1999, and since then has undergone a number of changes.

Almost named White Boys to White Men or the 6 Buddhas, Pop Rox has gone through a number of singers. Currently, Hyrum Denny, Dave Geddes, Shaun Heier, Mark Morrell, Jimmy Schofield and Schyler Walker make up the a cappella group.

When these six returned missionaries turn on the music, no instruments are necessary — Pop Rox creates their own. Their seventh member, Jon Geddes adds the final touch as sound man of the group.

“My favorite thing is the reaction of the crowd. I love being able to bring a smile to people’s face, and that’s really what we do,” Dave, a sophomore from Rexburg said.

Morrell, a senior from Orem, Utah, agrees.

“I love the energy [the crowd] gives me; it’s a high in and of itself,” Morrell said.

Over the years Pop Rox has opened for several popular groups including The Standards, The Coats, Rockapella and Inside Out. Recently, the King Singers met with Pop Rox for individual coaching.

“Anyone can make noise,” Denny, a freshman from Rexburg, said. “Some are just better at making noise than others.”

Right now, the guys are practicing twice a week, adding up to six to 10 hours a week and claim to be loving every minute of it.

The group prides themselves on performances that are more than just singing and explain that practices are never boring.

“We try to make people laugh. It’s not just singing; it’s entertainment. Whatever’s about 10 steps past ADD, that’s what we have,” Denny said.

Jon Geddes, a freshman from Rexburg, has been working sound for the group for approximately six months now.

“I think they’re awesome; plus, if I’m the sound guy, I can cut my brother Dave out. Just kidding!” he said. “That’s not going in the paper is it?”

While they may joke a lot, Heier, a BYU-Idaho alumnus from Kansas City, Mo., reassures that it’s all in fun and they’re all good friends.

“When we’re together, there’s a spark that happens,” Heier said.

While Pop Rox members all sing different parts, Walker, a sophomore from Grace, Idaho, provides the background beat as the group’s official ‘beat boxer.’ Walker explained it’s a skill he learned on his mission.

“If you’re going to describe me as a ‘beat boxer’ just make sure you add, ‘vocal percussionist,’ Walker said.

Whether beat boxing or harmonizing, each member seems to add their own unique feel. They all came to be involved in the group differently.

Schofield, a junior from Visalid, Calif., has been with the group since its beginning in 1999, and Heier joined a semester later. Dave followed, but only sang with the group for a semester before leaving on his mission. Dave explained that before his junior year of high school, he was so nervous about singing, he wouldn’t even sing the hymns at church.

“My sister would have to bribe me with cheeseburgers,” he said. “I finally overcame my fear of singing because of my sister.”

While Dave was on his mission, Heier’s cousin, Walker, was the next to join. Denny said that people will comment about what a nice system he has in his car when Walker breaks down a beat in the back seat.

Two years later, when Dave came home from his mission, he had Denny audition with him. Bass singer, Morrell, was the final key.

“Everyone brings something different to the group,” Dave said.

While the guys confess part of the reason behind their singing “used to be the chicks,” now that they’re all taken (with the exception of Dave,) the group’s reason for singing has become something bigger.

“I’ve always had a dream of singing in a group,” Heier said. “I loved listening to the Rockapellas growing up. It’s been a dream come true to be able to give this gift to people.”

Today, however, all the guys agree that it’s time to look toward the future.

“We’re trying to get our music out there to as many people as possible,” Denny said.

With both cover songs and originals written by each member, they plan on putting together a local show and are currently talking about performing in some nationwide competitions, finding a producer and cutting some CDs.

“We’re really just going for the next American Idol,” Heier said as he smiled. “Donations accepted.”