Ten-time Grammy-winning a cappella group Take 6 will perform at an Academy Event on Thursday, Oct. 18. The six-man group performed for President George W. Bush in 2001 and has worked with artists Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones, Queen Latifah, and Stevie Wonder.

“There are a number of big vocal close-harmony groups out there, but Take 6 is head-and shoulders above most of them,” said Daniel Roihl, director of music and member of the Academy Events Committee. “They are phenomenal, in terms of the sophisticated nature of their arrangements.”

On Thursday afternoon, the group will lead a community sing and hold an open workshop for Chamber Singers and others who are interested during co-curricular time.

When the group formed in 1980, they initially called themselves “Alliance.” Members performed in churches and all over the Oakwood College campus for some years with members leaving upon graduation. When the group signed with Warner Brothers in 1987, they changed their name to Take 6. Since then, they have won 10 Grammy Awards and garnered many other nominations.

The group sings gospel music with a heavy jazz influence, but also incorporates other genres like R&B and pop.

“All of their voices blend so well,” Sidney Hulburd ’14 said. “Since the group only has six people, each voice matters.”

“We had a number of contenders that we were considering,” Mr. Roihl said. “But we felt that [Take 6] was really a group that the students could engage with.”

Michael Park ’15 agreed. “They will help students appreciate gospel and jazz music more, and maybe start a growing interest of their own in music,” he said.