I. In the summer of 1999 Leonardo Silva and Peter Hollens met in a University of Oregon writing class. Their common passion for singing inspired them to start a vocal group. That winter, Pete and Leo gathered a small and talented group of 6 music lovers for their very first rehearsal. On the Rocks was born.
Known as the first official collegiate a cappella group in Oregon, On The Rocks began a tradition of excellence in a genre that was previously unheard of in the Northwest. Since 1999, several other groups, including University of Oregon’s Divisi and Oregon State’s Outspoken have followed their lead and joined the fast-growing A cappella community.
OtR has established itself as one of the top a cappella groups in the nation. Their current repertoire ranges from contemporary pop to doo-wop classics to holiday standards and the occasional original piece. OtR is comprised of mostly undergraduate students and usually consisting of 9 – 12 members. Every fall and spring, an extensive audition process is held to find quality replacements for graduating members in 4 different vocal categories-, tenor, baritone, bass and vocal percussion. Auditioning students are evaluated on tonal memory, solo talent, blending ability and, of course, personality. Once the new members are chosen, OTR can be heard singing every Friday @ the EMU amphitheater and around campus at various events throughout the year. Aside from hosting quarterly concerts, they have toured the West Coast and have visited the east coast often, and Canada. They have performed with the professional quartet the Coats and at various a cappella festivals all over the west coast.
In 2002 OtR placed 3rd at the International Competition of Collegiate a cappella and returned the next year in 2003 to place 2nd out of hundreds of groups. During the competitions they took in more than a dozen awards including, Best Soloist, Best Vocal Percussion, Best Arrangement and Best Hair. They have appeared live on the NBC Today show, along with other various semi-national news stations such as WB news @ 10 on “Toni Time”.
Every year in the winter since their inception OtR has been invited to sing the National Anthem at the UO Basketball Games in Mac Court. Their performance has been broadcast on UO radio to several thousand listeners and was received with uproaring praise from the appreciative 7,000 fans and radio commentators alike.
OTR has also reached viral status with their YouTube videos of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," and is probably best known for their version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," which reached 7.5 million views on YouTube. OTR has toured all over the US and Canada. The group travels to Berkeley, CA for the West Coast A Cappella Showcase every year. OTR has toured San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, New Haven, and Boston, and hope to tour more in the future. In 2010, OTR was featured on the second season of the hit NBC show "The Sing-Off".
Since it’s inception, On the Rocks has released two albums:The self titled OTR – 2002 and Backgammon Sessions – 2003. They are finishing up their latest CD, soon to be released in fall of 2005. Awards for their recordings include a selection on the 2004 BOCA compilation album (Best of Collegiate A Cappella). The selected track was Yellow off the Backgammon Sessions album and it was also chosen as the runner-up best male song of the year by CARA (Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards) Their most recent CD, Full Coverage includes tracks from such artists as Mr. Mister, Justin Timberlake, Rufus Wainwritght, and more. On the Rocks A cappella can be contacted via email at uoontherocks@hotmail.com.
II. On The Rocks
Colorado rock has a distinctive sound, identified by a blending of acoustic and electric guitars and an emphasis on tight vocal harmonies. No band around present this as powerfully as 'On the Rocks'. Add to the mix, dynamic rhythms and emotional originals, and you have the recipe for a band on the rise. Frontman Shawn Wright's gravely voice and passionate performances move audiences to frenzied levels, then gently brings the house down with love songs, such as 'til the end' or a power ballad like 'something more than this'. His sense of humor shines through with songs such as 'nailed your best friend'. Nn lead guitar is Ohio born Mike Princehorn. He cut his rock and roll teeth in the northern Colorado area. His versatile styles keep up with the bands ever-changing moods through each set. His strong vocals are heard on front as well as in harmonies. He's no shrinking violet, evident when harmonizing with Shawn's powerhouse vocals. Also a song writer, original material seems limitless. Arriving all the way from Detroit is bassist Sonny Lentz. He brings a streetwise edge and Motown influences to the music. Combining blues, rock, soul, country and reggae, his rhythms keep the songs, and the audience, moving. He contributes original material that is provocative and somewhat unpredictable. Rounding out the quartet is Colorado's own Norris Jones on drums. Norris has played with northern Colorado favorites 'canebrake run', Walt Jenkins, Liz Barnez, and 'harmony road'. His jazz and infusion roots add a cool and diverse bottom to the passionate original material. He is dynamite on the rockin' tunes as well. As word spreads, the band's calender is filling up. They are playing regularly up and down the front range, and extending into Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks - Intoxicated
Collectors Choice Music: On The Rocks
Discogs: On The Rocks - Mamonama
White Christmas
On the Rocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmas' be white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmas' be white
White Christmas, Funky Christmas
White Christmas, oh oh oh oh
White Christmas, Funky Christmas
White Christmas, oh oh oh oh
The lyrics to "White Christmas" by On the Rocks are a simple and nostalgic expression of longing for the perfect Christmas memory. The song captures the essence of a traditional, snowy Christmas from the past and wishes for a similar experience in the present. The mention of glistening treetops and children eagerly listening for sleigh bells in the snow invokes a sense of joy and excitement that comes with the holiday season.
The repetition of the phrase "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" emphasizes the dream-like quality of the desired experience. It suggests that the singer's longing is not only for the physical presence of snow but also for the heartfelt emotions and cherished traditions associated with the holiday. The lyrics also mention sending Christmas cards to loved ones, evoking a sense of connection and well-wishes during this special time of year. The wish for "merry and bright" days and for all Christmases to be white further emphasizes the longing for a perfect and joyful holiday season.
Overall, "White Christmas" by On the Rocks expresses a desire for the ideal Christmas filled with snow, joy, and a sense of togetherness that is reminiscent of past memories.
Line by Line Meaning
Blanca navidad
I am longing for a Christmas filled with purity and joy
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
I am yearning for a Christmas where everything is peaceful and beautiful
Just like the ones I used to know
Similar to the cherished memories I have of past Christmases
Where the tree tops glisten
Where the highest branches of the trees gleam and shine
And children listen
And little ones pay attention
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
In order to catch the sound of sleigh bells ringing through the snowy landscape
With every Christmas card I write
With each and every holiday card I send out
May your days be merry and bright
May your days be filled with happiness and light
And may all your Christmas' be white
And may all your Christmases be filled with purity and joy
White Christmas, Funky Christmas
A festive Christmas filled with joy and excitement
White Christmas, oh oh oh oh
A Christmas that is peaceful and serene
White Christmas, Funky Christmas
A vibrant Christmas that is full of energy
White Christmas, oh oh oh oh
A Christmas that is pure and joyful
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind