The Kent Clarks is ready to drive into its new competition at the Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Great Lakes Quarterfinal Saturday, Jan. 31 at Bowling Green High School at 7p.m.

This marks The Kent Clarks’, first competition since performing at the White House on Dec. 16, 2014. This is the second time they will be competing in the ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinal.

“We came in fourth place last year, which honestly was more than we really could have expected,” said Samantha Velotta, a junior communication studies major and the Kent Clarks secretary. “It really shaped us to be the group we are today.”

The competition will give the Clarks constructive feedback about its performance from trained professionals.

The Kent Clarks recently had auditions last week, pushing the new members full swing into the world of a cappella.

“The new members of our group can see how far we have progressed and kind of see what they’re getting into,” Velotta said.

The Kent Clarks are competing against nine other a cappella groups for the chance to participate in the regional semifinals.

“We’re up against really good groups, but regardless of the challenge, this is going to be a good learning experience for us and for the new members,” Velotta said.

Velotta said The Kent Clarks have worked hard for their ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinal spot.

“This group has put so many hours of practice and rehearsals and learning music, memorizing it, and choreographing it,” she said.

Velotta hopes all their hard work will pay off.

“I’m always hoping that we could advance…that just would kind of be surreal. It would be an exciting experience for the group,” Velotta said.

Contact Dara Sander at [email protected].