Ella Wickham ’25

Ella Wickham ’25 (she/her) is a film and media studies major from New York City. Last fall she became the first woman to join the Columbia Kingsmen, now billed as the University’s finest lower voices a cappella group. “People expect me to have a crazy, passionate story about how I wanted to be in the group for- ever,” says Wickham, who also belongs to the jazz-oriented Uptown Vocal. She auditioned on a whim, part of a prankish tradition where members of different a cappella groups sign up for a spot when there’s down time in the others’ tryouts.

“I love their blue jackets,” Wickham says with a laugh. “And I did go into it thinking their vibe was so fun — sophomoric in a very endearing way. I made the decision in the room that I wanted to actually be considered. And then I did my callback, and I got in, and it was pretty awesome.”

Between the Kingsmen and Uptown Vocal, Wickham is in six rehearsals a week; she is also one of the co-writers of the 131st Varsity Show. She took time out for a conversation about the importance of inclusion, her favorite Kingsmen staple and other highlights of her College experience.

What’s it been like to be the first woman in the Kingsmen?

It’s definitely a group that I would never [have seen] myself interacting with. I went to an all-girls high school, so it really was a 180. It’s kind of fun to be a little fly on the wall. But I’ve never felt that my voice wasn’t elevated, that people were speaking over me or ignoring me because I am a girl. If anything, in a weird way, I feel like they listen to me and respect me more.

What’s your favorite song to perform?

We have this thing, the Fresh’smen Concert, and all the newbies pick a song to sing with the group backing them. I did “Uptown Girl,” which is one that I’d arranged for my all-girls group in high school. It was fun to bring that back in a new context. I also love “Sh-Boom.” You know, “Life could be a dream ... ” It’s such a Kingsmen staple, so it’s fun to be a part of that.

Tell us about your role as the group’s impact and inclusion chair.

I think that in any elite space or formerly exclusive space, there’s always going to be some sort of transition that’s maybe not the smoothest. As the group is changing, and more people of different identities are being included, it seemed like it would be a good idea to have a point person where, if anyone felt any kind of way, there could be someone who’s not intimidating for people to speak with or work out some sort of resolution. More clubs are starting to have people whose job it is to make sure that people feel included no matter who they are.

What has been your favorite class so far at Columbia, and why?

In my freshman Fall semester, I ended up in this graduate school class, “Jazz in American Culture,” taught by Professor Robert O’Meally. I learned how jazz has influenced both literature and media, especially in Black spaces, and how powerful a musical form it is, how it’s a form of protest and resilience and affirmation. One of our guest lecturers was Spike Lee — how amazing. That’s one of those experiences where, it’s like, OK, this is why I like Columbia.