By Isabelle Lounsberry
The chorus department at Apopka is known to be well-rounded in all of their performances– including spectacular singing, choreography, and a clear passion throughout the entirety of all performances. An emerging favorite in the Apopka community is High Key, the new Acapella group taught by new chorus teacher at Apopka, Mr. Powers. The group consists of thirteen singers: four altos, two basses, one tenor, a bass/tenor switch, and four sopranos along with a beatboxer. You may have seen the fliers posted around the school while they were still in search for a beatboxer, and actually hadn’t found one until this November. Nonetheless, the group worked feverishly, and I feel confident in saying that it has worked out for them.
When Mrs. Boot– former head director of the chorus department– left, there were concerns of how well the remaining staff would perform. Mrs. Shafer has held up to the standards, though. An outstanding performance took place Tuesday, December 6th, starring all of the chorus groups, including mixed groups. Acapella evinced their talents with a set of Coldest Winter by Pentatonix. Mrs. Boot revisited the Apopka chorus department and conducted one final song, during which many of the members got emotional.
It was definitely arduous for the students to join a new, uncharted group without their mentor, but they have succeeded. They are doing a splendid job, and are continuing to improve each day. In fact, High Key made ICHSA in November, otherwise known as the International Championship of High School Acapella, which will be held at Wekiva High School on February 17th.
They meet Mondays and Thursdays after school to practice, as there is not an actual class. The members then usually stay after rehearsal to practice even more, or more likely, to mess around.
Anaya Nunez and Cooper Smalley
They are all very dedicated– most of them started their singing journey in middle school– and all singers are part of at least one other choir. The level of the choir the members are currently in does not make a difference, as long as they are willing to dedicate their time and make it through auditions.
Some members of the group have called it, “the highlight of [their] day,” exhibiting the enjoyment they get from it. The group is predictively very close because of the like-mindedness they share, as well as the time they spend together. They balance their silly personalities with their work ethic and determination to be successful. Take the winter concert, for example. The group had an amazing performance, some may even say out-performing the other groups, which was apparent in the response of the crowd. Comparable to college- level Acapella groups, they exceeded all expectations.
This is, of course, due to the sheer amount of time and effort spent. The group has been extremely busy preparing for the winter concert and Candlelight, the yearly Christmas “concert” held at Epcot. Even the director has had little time to do much more than focus on the performances, and could not be contacted at this time for commenting. Despite the inevitable tension and stress of such a difficult activity, there is no drama between students. Lenaia Powell, fellow staff writer, and an alto of the group stated, “We’re all very accepting of each other, I think because we’re all exposing one of the most personal parts of us–our voices– to each other. We all kind of have to have that trust.”
Indeed, trust in each other and each other’s abilities is key when it comes to having a good sound. The group works on learning and bettering their skills as not only singers, but musicians in general, such as developing a good ear, something necessary for any musical career. They receive more personal teachings on how to control their voice, such as the best way to blend their sound, or how to strengthen and enhance their tone. This is what puts them above some of the other groups. While there can be up to fifty students per class, the Acapella group only has thirteen, which forces them to be more capable of carrying their part and making sure it sounds like a whole. That also puts a lot of pressure to be correct, which is another possible factor for their furthering success.