Ever heard a song on the radio and wished you could sing that with your friends, and maybe even perform it for the school? Well, one of the acapella groups at LHS is waiting for you! Acapella is the art of singing without accompanying music or background instrumentals. Quite simply, your voice is the instrument and you and your group have to make the song feel alive. There are many styles of acapella, and the music department at LHS is not shy at providing students with fun and modern, or older tunes to bop with. Now, let’s take a look at the different acapella groups here at LHS, and why you should join them!
To start off, we’ll begin with Guys In Ties. The Guys In Ties is an all male, four part a cappella group that stretches from Tenor 1, the highest voices, to Bass, the lowest voices. This group competes in the TTB/B Contemporary A Cappella category. On the contrary, we have Treble In Paradise. Treble In Paradise is also split up into four parts, being from Soprano 1, down the Alto 2, however, unlike Guys In Ties, is all female (hence why it is for treble voices). They compete in the SSA/A Contemporary A Cappella category. Next is VoJazz. VoJazz often sings in an SATB split that primarily focuses on music in the Mixed Vocal Jazz Ensemble category. This is different from the two groups previously mentioned because Contemporary is more pop based, while Vocal Jazz focuses on more complex jazz-influenced harmonies and rhythms. Finally, we have Breakfast Club. Breakfast Club sings in a SATB split and performs songs found inside the Mixed Contemporary A Cappella category.
You may start to try and understand the differences between a normal choir, and a capella. As stated by Jaylin Breunig, “Acapella is very unique in the sense that the only instruments we have are our voices. Most of the time, we don’t sing words, only short syllables like “ah” or “oh”.” Emily TenBarge also added, “It requires more practice to be so proficient on your part that you can sing it memorized, surrounded by people who are singing something different.” Not only is a cappella more moving parts between different sections of people, but it requires more time and energy to be able to perform and perfect the song; you’ll need communication, teamwork, and focus. At this point, you might also find yourself questioning why you would want to join an a cappella group. Simon Ricks, in relation to Guys In Ties, said, “Guys In Ties is more relaxed compared to the mixed groups.” and “You don’t have to audition for Guys In Ties, just show interest and honestly just try.” This shows even if you are worried about how you might perform or how you sound, you should join because it’s fun and you get to sing cool songs with your friends. There are also real benefits to being inside a cappella, as Jaylin Breunig adds, “A cappella has definitely helped me improve as a musician, especially with my sightreading and my confidence.” Emily TenBarge also said, “Acapella transforms you as a musician.” These quotes show how being a part of these groups has helped them grow as vocalists and musicians by increasing confidence and fine tuning their skills.
Another thing our a cappella groups get to do is perform at multiple events! This includes Solo and Ensemble, Sing & Swing, and Mad City A Cappella Summit. First is Solo and Ensemble. Solo and Ensemble is an event in which groups from our region come to perform pieces that they have been working on all year. This year, Lodi High School is proud to host District Solo and Ensemble. Jayin Breunig helps to explain how S&E works, “We get judged and scored based on how we prepared our pieces, and hope to get sent to State.” Simply put, you want to get a lower score, which is equivalent to a one, on your performance. After district is State Solo and Ensemble. State is held at UW-Whitewater, and is the goal the groups dream of achieving this February. Next is Sing and Swing. Sing and Swing is an event organized by the Music Department in which students enrolled in a music class can come together to make their own bands and songs which they then perform for the school. The a cappella groups always love performing here, and it is a great time. Finally, Mad City A Capella Summit. Mad City is held in Oregon, and is an event in which groups from Southern Wisconsin go to showcase their talent, presented in a performance platform. The groups go here every year and so far it has been great for them, as it helps to develop their voices and skills even after Solo and Ensemble and Sing and Swing.
So what are you waiting for? The a cappella groups are always open to new members willing to put in the work to make a fun and skilled environment. Plus, you are singing multiple songs in multiple genres, and will probably perform a couple tunes that you have heard before, and will enjoy it even more! So whether you’re a guy who sounds like a fog horn down low, or a girl who can shatter glass, why not join an a cappella group and have some fun and perform with your friends!
