Because there is no band, rhythm is also a challenge. "And blend is super important, so no one stands out unless he is supposed to," he says. Tonality, rhythm and blend are the main things that groups are judged on in competitions, but choreography is also important.

In recent years, choreography has become a fine art. "Back when I was a member of the group, we basically moved in clumps around the soloist. Now we have guys going in all directions. I won't say we were the only forerunners, but Vocal Point has been one of the innovators of intense choreography. It puts Vocal Point in a whole new league," he says. "We opened once for a Rockapella concert, and one of the guys told me he could not see how we could do the percussion and the moving that we do while singing. It's like chewing gum and walking on acid at the same time," jokes Stevens.

The group did not compete at ICCA this year. "We just kind of felt like we should take a break," says Stevens. "As it turned out, it was a good decision for us economically. Competing is expensive, and with the way the economy is, we are able to be in a good place financially. We have to be self-sustaining. Even though Vocal Point is sponsored by BYU, we can't rely on a bailout."

Local audiences will have a couple of chances to see the group in the near future. Vocal Point will be the opening act for a Noteworthy concert March 21 at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo, and will be participating in the A Cappella Jam on March 31 in the Joseph Smith Building auditorium on the BYU campus. For times, tickets and information, visit www.byuvocalpoint.com.

"It's just a fun way to make music, says Stevens. "People love to hear the human voice and what it can do."

If you go …

What: Noteworthy, with opening act Vocal Point
When: March 21, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W. Center, Provo
How much: $5 presale; $7 at the door

Also …

What: A Cappella Jam, featuring Vocal Point and other groups
When: March 31, 7 p.m.
Where: Auditorium, Joseph Smith Building, BYU
How much: $5 at the Wilkinson Center, $6 at the door
Web: www.byuvocalpoint.com

E-mail: carma@desnews.com