by Tyler Andreala
While most people were receiving oversized bears and boxes of chocolate, 100 unsuspecting recipients were given “Serenade Grams” performed by the Silver Bells and Silver Gents throughout the day on Friday, Feb. 14.
For the first time, both the Gents and Bells hosted a fundraiser where they sang 30 second clips of popular songs on Valentine’s Day. During the week leading up to Valentine’s Day students were able to purchase a Serenade Gram for three dollars, choose a song, and address it to anyone at school.
The Silver Gents is an acapella singing group that was originally started five years ago. After being inactive for the last two years, the group reformed. The Silver Gents divided themselves into smaller groups, based on their vocal ranges; together they had a jazz inspired sound to them. They rehearsed for over a week and their song selection were chosen through group discussion. In the end they chose songs people would recognize, such as: “Love on Top” by Beyonce and “Just the Way You Are,” by Bruno Mars. I’d describe us as organized chaos…when we calm down we create good music,” said senior Andy Novoa.
The Silver Bells are an all-girl group comprised of students in choir. The singing group was initially started seven years ago. The Bells practiced two days a week, for about an hour each day and rehearsed four times in preparation for the fundraiser. “Instead of writing down the songs and practicing that way, we were able to piece it together by ear and collaborate on the overall sound of the singing and work on it that way,” said senior Julianna Kolbrich.
With almost 100 Serenade Grams purchased between the Gents and Bells, the Choir program has raised nearly 300 dollars. This money will go towards future concerts and the senior field trip at the end of the year.
“Considering that it was our first year doing the Serenade Grams, we were very happy and surprised with the results,” said junior Matthew Cletto.