The Octāves: A legacy of harmony, energy, and friendship
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
The University of Richmond’s student-led a cappella group embraces a culture of excellence.
On any given evening, music drifts through rehearsal rooms across campus, but few sounds are as immediately recognizable as those produced by the Octāves. For decades, the student-led a cappella group has been a cornerstone of musical life at the University of Richmond, blending technical excellence with a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the stage.
The group’s roots stretch back to the fall of 1990, when eight members of the UR choir decided to branch out into a cappella. They chose a name that was both musical and university-focused: the "Octāves" represented the eight founding voices, alluded to the eight notes that comprise a musical scale, and served as a clever nod to the eight legs of the Richmond Spider.
Music professor Jennifer Cable, who has served as the group’s faculty advisor for over 30 years, said their high standard has remained constant. “They have from the beginning had a culture of excellence, meaning that they expect the best from one another.”
This past January, the group released its 14th studio album, Call Shot, following a pattern of billiards-inspired titles. The project was recorded in Crozet, Virginia, with producer James Gammon, who has worked with Pentatonix and on the Pitch Perfect film soundtracks. The album is available on Apple Music and Spotify.
Founded on the belief that music should be both collaborative and joyful, the Octāves have carved out a unique place in the university’s cultural fabric. Their repertoire ranges from contemporary pop and indie favorites to classic standards.
“We all come from different experiences,” said group president Jack Gaghan, a junior studying business administration. “But we all love music, so we come together to produce something incredible.”
That commitment begins long before performances. Members audition each fall, then spend the year refining their sound through weekly rehearsals. For many, the Octāves become a creative anchor. Gaghan emphasizes that the group’s identity is split two ways: “We have a musical purpose and a brotherhood purpose.”
In fact, the bond often spills over into other musical ventures. Several members, including seniors Cole Breen and Ben Hack, junior Luke Surrusco, and first-year Patrick Stoddard, perform in the student band The River Road Band when they aren't harmonizing with the Octāves. “We spend more time together just hanging out outside of rehearsal than we do actually learning music,” Gaghan said.
Cable has watched this evolution firsthand, observing how the Octāves take total ownership of their group. “They plan their gigs, they determine what they are going to sing, and they organize and run their rehearsals,” she said.
The "Tāves" are also known for their humor and high-energy performances. Their annual Spring Fever concert features movie-inspired themes like "Tāve Wars" or "Tāves of Thrones." Octāves alumni frequently return to UR for Spring Fever and join the current group for a performance of "Shenandoah," an arrangement gifted to the ensemble in the 1990s by former choir director James Erb. “No matter what year you graduated, you know that song, and you always remember your part,” Gaghan said.
As the Octāves continue to develop and iterate on their sound, they remain rooted in the same principles that shaped their beginnings: collaboration, curiosity, and care for one another. “We don’t just strive to be the best musically,” Gaghan said. “It’s also a great friend group. These guys are my best friends.”