The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.
by Callene Laslo
Staff Writer
This year Bradley Choir and A Cappella students are taking on Orlando, Florida during spring break. All students going on the trip are given the opportunity to sing in many different events while having fun in amusement parks, such as Disney World and Universal.
Shades of Blue A Cappella members are going to perform in the National A Cappella
Convention in Orlando during this trip. They are one of the ten schools in the country accepted to perform out of many college and high school groups that applied. During the week, they get to learn from different arrangers who make the a cappella music, and musicians from all around the country. Their set consists of “Reaper” by Sia, soloist Addison Creeger-Tom (9), “Control” by Zoe Wees, soloist Jay Phillips (11), and “Gold” by Jessie J, soloist Audrey Brown. Third year Shades member Audrey Brown (12) says, “I am so excited and ready for this trip. Shades has been working really hard since the beginning of this year.” All of these amazing vocalists are pumped to show people what they have in store for this showcase and move the audience with their powerful set.
Echo A Cappella, another great a cappella group from Bradley, is also getting many opportunities to learn and grow as young musicians. They are given the opportunity to work with their arranger Rob Dietz throughout their rehearsals down in Orlando and they get to perform too! Their set consists of “Adore You” by Harry Styles, soloist Callene Laslo (9), “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi, soloist Bee Slater (10), and “Freedom” by Allen Stone, soloist Sydney Driscoll (10). First year Echo member Ally Hunt (9) says, “I’m really excited for Orlando because I feel that it’s a great opportunity to perform and expand my music knowledge. I also can’t wait to go to Harry Potter World!” This outstanding group is so excited to meet new people and learn from amazing musicians along this fun journey and of course perform their exciting set for everyone!
Anyone who isn’t in the two a cappella groups gets to participate in one big honor choir. The choir will have rehearsals for a few hours a day with the Grammy award music educator of the year, Dr. Jeffrey Murdock. The choir performance is on Saturday, March 26th for the whole choir convention. Concert Choir member Katey Kirk (9) says, “I’m so excited for this. Not only do I get to go to the parks, but I also get to spend spring break with my friends doing something I love.” For these students the opportunities are endless. Learning from some of the greatest choir directors there will develop new and great skills.
There are many great things that are happening during this trip. Assistant Bradley choir director Alyssa Schott says, “This will be lots of students' first honor choir experience, and for some the first time performing out of state.” She is so excited to learn from other directors at the convention too. With spring break right around the corner everyone going on the trip is working extremely hard. Make sure to wish everyone good luck!