Megalomania is a mental disorder marked by delusions of grandeur. It is also the inspiration for the name of one of the College's a cappella groups, the Megalomaniacs, or the Megs for short. And, while rehearsals for the only co-ed a cappella group on campus are occasionally interrupted by Danny Garin's '13 fake repulsion at having to stand boy-girl, for this group of talented singers, grandeur is not just a delusion.

"We're all about soul, if I had to put it into one word," Chelsea Tyler '13 says. While the group may be all about soul, its Thursday night rehearsals are relaxed and fun, as the group combines beautiful harmonies with goofy jokes. A recent rehearsal begins with Play-Doh, which Tyler had received as a belated birthday present. After requests to make a mammoth are turned down by Tyler saying, "I'd have to get a toothpick and etch the hairs in," warm-ups begin. Next, the group does a quick run-through of its current pieces, each complete with witty banter and, of course, dancing.

After a quick argument fueled by Tyler's complaints that "everyone's ruining my Play-Doh!" the a cappella group resumes singing. Despite the group's lighthearted manner, the music the group creates shows that the Megs are impressively dynamic, with each member contributing significantly to the group's overall sound in his or her own unique way.

Members label themselves as "ridiculous" and "fun," an accurate depiction of the eccentric group. While the cohesive and close-knit nature of the Megs can be intimidating to new or potential members, the singers say that during auditions they look for someone who "can sing on their own part, but [who can also] blend in with the voices of the group." And, as expected, a potential Meg must have a great sense of humor. A Megalomaniac must be "someone who likes Harry Potter, loves to dance, doesn't take themselves too seriously, has great hair...oh, and can sing," Tyler says, only half-joking.

The fact that the Megalomaniacs are co-ed, "which I'm hoping you've noticed by now," Tyler jokes, is a defining feature that distinguishes them from the other a cappella groups on campus. There are advantages to a mixed group, such as attaining "an array of voice parts, which really helps to embrace the true sound of the song," Megumi Sasada '12 says.

In choosing music, the group looks for pieces that are lighthearted, fun and encompass a wide variety of genres and styles. The group then votes to select about ten pieces that it will ultimately learn and perform. All the Megs contribute to arranging music, and Garin characterizes this season's compilation as "a very diverse contemporary repertoire."

All the members of the group are extremely friendly and welcoming, and when the group practices its version of 3Oh!3's "Don't Trust Me," it takes its trademark lyric-alternating style one step further, adding, "love the Echo like whoa!"

From their relaxed rehearsals to their eclectic musical taste, the Megs are a fun and friendly group. Just don't steal their Play-Doh.