Troy Tones

Founded in 2002, Troy Tones is one of USC’s co-ed, and self-proclaimed “funkiest,” a cappella groups. Bobby Howlett, a sophomore theatre major and president of the group, describes Troy Tones as a group of friends who love to sing. “I would definitely say what makes Troy Tones ‘Troy Tones’ is the camaraderie between everyone…we’re all so close,” Howlett said.

According to music director Margo Neuberger, a senior jazz voice major, the group takes a lot of pride in balancing music, fun and friendships. “Troy Tones' balance is why I joined the group,” Neuberger stated. “When I met everyone in the group I already felt like we were friends and it didn’t at all feel disingenuous.” The group has a wellness chair who checks in with members who may miss a number of rehearsals to see how they can help alleviate stress and ensure a positive experience.

Troy Tones has several traditions – a favorite being TT gifts, a Secret Santa gift exchange the group does each semester in which each member receives a personalized gift from another group member. According to Howlett and Neuberger, the gifts are about the heart that goes into them rather than the price, with many being homemade.

The fictional world of “Pitch Perfect” and the real world of collegiate a cappella collided in 2022 when Troy Tones was invited to perform at Regal LA Live for a 10-year anniversary showing of the film. “We had a green room and everything,” Neuberger said. “And then we all watched the movie together.”

In addition to maintaining a positive relationship by supporting the other a cappella groups on campus by attending their performances, Troy Tones enjoys connecting with groups from other universities. Last year, Troy Tones performed a joint concert in Joyce J. Cammilleri Hall on campus with The Bear Necessities, an all-male a cappella group from Brown University.

Unlike several other groups on campus, roughly half of Troy Tones’ members plan on pursuing a career in music in some capacity, according to Howlett, whether that be a solo career, songwriting, musical theatre or choral composition. Despite boasting a number of music majors, the group is also composed of non-music majors such as communication, business and STEM majors.

“It’s just so nice to have a place to sing with a bunch of people who you love,” Neuberger said. “I always walk out of Troy Tones happier than I walked in...it’s easy to love people who you spend a lot of time with doing something you love together.”

1 / 10

Troy Tones' spring '23 photoshoot on USC's campus. Courtesy of Troy Tones.

2 / 10

Each semester, Troy Tones surprises their new members on their acceptance with blindfolds and personalized signs. Courtesy of Troy Tones.

3 / 10

Troy Tones inducts their “newbs.” Courtesy of Troy Tones.

4 / 10

Troy Tones performs at USC’s Relay for Life Event put on by USC Colleges Against Cancer Club on the USC Village Great Lawn. The event raised nearly $5,000 to support cancer patients and cancer research. Courtesy of Troy Tones.

5 / 10

Both semesters the Troy Tones does their own version of Secret Santa called TT Gifts. Courtesy of Troy Tones.

6 / 10

“Everyone gets personalized, very thoughtful gifts.” - Bobby Howlett. Courtesy of Troy Tones.

7 / 10

After the last week of classes, Troy Tones enjoys going on a retreat and spending the weekend together to unwind before finals. Courtesy of Troy Tones.

8 / 10

Troy Tones at Big Bear Lake, one of their semi-annual retreats. Courtesy of Troy Tones.

9 / 10

Troy Tones performs for the 10th anniversary of “Pitch Perfect” at Regal LA Live. Photo courtesy of Madeline Chalk. Courtesy of Troy Tones.

10 / 10

Howlett’s favorite memory of her time with the Troy Tones: Crowding into Neuberger’s room prior to All Hail to pump up the group. Courtesy of Troy Tones.

❮ ❯