A troupe of robe-swaddled University of Virginia undergrads is a focus of a new book exploring the genesis and evolution of collegiate a cappella.

Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory features the Hullabahoos, an all-male a cappella group with a 20-year history on Grounds. Author Mickey Rapkin candidly describes the exploits, challenges and triumphs of the Hullabahoos and two other groups—the Tufts Beelzebubs and University of Oregon’s Divisi—during the 2006-2007 school year.

A year in the life of the Hullabahoos features much more than singing and studying: Popularity takes the group from the Lawn to a Los Angeles Lakers’ game, to a chauffeured limo and, for one singer, to a solo stint in a jail cell.

Rapkin spent several weekends and road trips with the Hullabahoos, interviewing both students and alumni—and sparing few details.

A senior editor at GQ and a former member of a Cornell University a cappella group, Rapkin wanted to write the book because of a cappella’s growing popularity beyond college campuses. "I thought there was a great story to be told about the camaraderie, the road trips, the recording of albums and the fans," Rapkin says. "There is so much heart in the triumphant struggles and failures of these kids."

As he weaves the history of a cappella throughout the book’s vignettes, Rapkin reveals an interesting cast of former a cappella singers, including Ed Helms of NBC’s The Office, Diane Sawyer, John Legend and Osama Bin Laden—among many others.

The Hullabahoos, described as an "up-and-coming group with a lot of personality," was an obvious group to feature in the book, Rapkin says. The Beelzebubs, with its rich history, and Divisi, a competitor on the international circuit, rounded out Rapkin’s research.

Photo by Bennett Sorbo

Despite overflowing audiences of screaming fans, the Hullabahoos don’t take themselves too seriously, Rapkin says. Overall, he was impressed. "I found them to be the most curious about life outside of Grounds, and really engaging and intelligent," he says.

It was easy to forget that some of them were 19, he adds.

"They’re exactly how they broadcast themselves—as silly, fun, intelligent guys dressed in robes and singing Justin Timberlake covers," he says. The Hullabahoos also happen to be the only college a cappella group with an intramural football team.

Rapkin’s account of collegiate a cappella is now headed for the big screen: Kay Cannon, "Baby Mama" writer and "30 Rock" story editor, is writing the script, and Universal has purchased the film rights.

For more information, visit www.pitchperfect-thebook.com.