Many Stratford students have seen “Pitch Perfect,” the 2012 movie about a college a cappella group competing to be the top singers on campus.

Now Stratford is forming an a cappella group of its own, and students will get the chance to see how their pitches measure up.

More than a dozen upper school students have started rehearsing under the direction of drama teacher Ms. Sylvia Haynie.

Haynie said that while the ensemble is not a class, it effectively takes the place of musical theatre and chorus, which are not being offered this year. The group – which is open to boys and girls – currently rehearses twice a month on Fridays during break.

“It will have more student involvement because students won’t feel inclined to take it as an actual class,” Haynie said.

Haynie said she hopes that the singing group will appeal not only to theatre performers but also to a wider range of students.

Senior Abbie Nash said she is excited because the group is choosing their own songs. Emmy Thornsberry, also a senior, said she likes singing for fun without the pressure of a performance schedule.

Unlike the Pitch Perfect ensemble, Stratford’s a cappella group will not compete – at least not yet.

“It will be down the road before we decide to look into any type of competition,” said Haynie, adding that she hopes that the group will perform during assemblies and at community venues.