Monday, after school, eighty-four high school and eighth grade students were waiting in lines in the Fine Arts building to get their voices heard. These students were waiting to audition for the student a capella groups and the concert choir.

Although the concert choir director and next year’s student directors of Muses, T-tones, and Madrigals began their judging immediately after school, it lasted well until the evening.



As has been true in the past, the auditions were highly competitive. Only seven to thirteen students will be accepted into the a capella groups. Nervousness wafted through the halls as each student waited for his or her turn. Mellisa Yu (class of 2010), who sang “New Soul” by Yael Naim, described her emotions:

“It was really a nerve wracking experience, but I am glad I took the risk and put myself out there for [the audition].”

Stuart Yamartino (class of 2011), who wrote and sang his own song for the audition, said, “It was weird to practice in front of my friends, but once I stood in front of the judges, it was easier to sing because I knew that I had to sing well in order to get in.”

Students felt that the entire auditioning process was meaningful, as it was a unique educational experience. They learned that even though it may be hard to consider oneself as a singer, anyone could try out and do well if he or she is passionate about singing and music in general.

“As I left the chorus room, finished with my audition, I saw many kids reciting their lyrics and movements. I was just pleased to be done with mine. I realized that the experience of trying out was great for me and that anybody can do it if they really put their mind to it,” said Ian Stack (class of 2011), who sang “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw.

The limited number of students that a cappella groups can take in became a challenge for the directors as many qualified and talented students tried out. Directors had to judge beyond the usual singing skills; they considered various musical aspects of the applicants.

“A lot of people had very good voices and were good at their songs. The difference that set people apart was mostly the ear training and being able to pick out a note from a chord,” said Berin Senné (class of 2010), a member of the Madrigals.

According to Robyn Levy (class of 2010), a member of the Muses, “There was a lot of incredible talent found during the auditions. It will be a difficult decision for all the directors to select a few for the a cappella groups.”

While some of the directors were agonizing over their final selections, some members of the a cappella groups were simply satisfied with the quality of applicants that they encountered. Sherry Ng (class of 2008), a member of the Madrigals who will be graduating this year, is content with the outcome:

“I think the auditions went really well as we had a lot of talented singers try out. It was definitely a great mix of girls and guys with different levels of experience. I think the directors for next year are going to have a tough time choosing among all of them.”

Many student applicants were not motivated by the fame or benefits to college application that the a cappella groups can bring; they were inspired by the excitement that the groups afford, the rewarding sense of being part of well-organized groups, and by the thought that one day, they could sing as well as those a cappella members who have shown their skills throughout the school year. Patricia Akrivoulis (class of 2011), who sang “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts, was one of those inspired students:

“I simply had fun with the auditions. There were lots of people trying out, but I liked it because no matter how varied our abilities are, it is meaningful to have a moment where everyone is singing. I hope for the best for everyone who tried out.”