The Grains of Time that will take the stage Saturday sounds a lot different than the one that began its 40-year run performing traditional a cappella songs. The group, while still performing classics such as “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” has added to its repertoire contemporary pop favorites like the Backstreet Boys song, “The Call.”

The Grains, the University’s premier all-male a cappella group, have been around since 1968. The group gained its popularity for performing a cappella versions of traditional songs.

Matthew Tucker, a junior in human biology and biochemistry, said the group has progressed over the years.

Tucker, the musical director for the Grains, explained that in order to attract a more diverse crowd, the group has begun playing pop songs to make their performances more contemporary. These songs are intermixed with the traditional a cappella songs that are a staple of their concerts.

“There can only be so many songs on the radio that a group of guys can sing,” Tucker said.

As far as converting a song to a cappella format, Tucker said it is just a matter of listening to the song and determining the chord structure, then applying it to voices. He also said that a few of the members play musical instruments, which is helpful when writing the parts.

Ryan Riddle, a senior in mechanical engineering and the group’s public relations director, said this is especially true when considering the percussion of the song. Riddle beatboxes to provide the percussion during the performances. In order to prepare, he listens to a song to determine the different drums used and mimics the sound.

“I played drums for a long time. It makes it easier,” Riddle said.

After the group decides on a song, they hold auditions for solos and assign parts based on voices.

This year, the Grains have two new members, Scott McWhirter, a freshman in aerospace engineering, and Luke Miller, a freshman in chemical engineering.

McWhirter said he decided to try out after seeing some a cappella videos on YouTube.

“It was really nerve-wracking for me,” McWhirter said. “But the guys made it really relaxed.”

Miller said he did not have a chance to audition before the callback date, but the guys allowed him to perform anyway.

“They were really cool about letting everyone have a chance,” Miller said.

The Grains hold their auditions biannually, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Tucker said they usually get more people who audition in fall than in the spring.

When choosing a new member, the group looks at not just the quality of his audition, but also at his musical background and whether or not they think he will make a good addition to the group.

Tucker also said they try to recruit about two or three guys to make up for the ones they lose when they graduate. Every four years or so, the group loses about five members, according to Tucker.

For those who are too afraid to try out, Miller wants them to know that it is possible to do a performing arts activity like the Grains and still have time for schoolwork.

“You can do just as much in school and still do this, if you know how to balance your life,” Miller said.

Through the use of more contemporary music, the Grains are hoping to widen their fan base to beyond a cappella fans and have more of a presence on campus.

“We’re trying to appeal more to the student body,” Riddle said.

The Grains will perform their Fall Concert Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8-10:30 p.m. in Stewart Theatre in Talley Student Center.