Because of the large number of singers auditioning for a cappella groups, choir teacher Ms. Claire Minnis decided to create a coed group, Blends with Benefits, to expand the vocal opportunities.
“We have a large curricular choir with students from every grade participating,” Minnis said. “There weren’t enough places for small groups of talented singers to rehearse.”
Another change to the vocal groups this year is that auditions are now open to freshmen singers. Because Minnis taught last year as the middle school choir teacher, she was familiar with the vocal abilities of the current freshmen. As a result, Blends with Benefits has 16 members, with singers representing each grade.
“I wanted to get the freshmen involved as quickly as possible,” Minnis said. “Opening up the auditions to freshmen seemed like the perfect way to do it.”
Despite the addition of freshmen, Minnis said the singers in Blends with Benefits have come together to form a strong connection with each other. Because there are not any student leadership roles in the group, there have been no conflicts concerning a balance of power.
“The upperclassmen have been really helpful in mentoring the underclassmen,” Minnis said. “They show the younger students how to approach a higher level of singing and master the songs quickly.”
Senior Lizzy Langa agrees with Minnis concerning the group dynamic. She added that the underclassmen bring a lot of energy to the group. Since Langa has been interested in creating a mixed group since her sophomore year, she was excited to audition for the group this year.
“Mixed groups always have stronger songs,” Langa said. “Girls don’t always have the vocal range to hit the low notes, so combining with guys helps bring out a nice, rich sound.”
As a result of limited practices, Blends with Benefits has not had a lot of opportunities to perform. However, one performance did include Cabaret Night in December. During the show, the group performed “Stay” by Rihanna as well as“Sail” by Awolnation, with Langa as a soloist.
“The vocal range is pretty easy in ‘Sail,’” Langa said. “What I have to focus on is listening to the rhythm of the song and trying to find my own style to fit in.”
Langa and Minnis both believe that another unique part of their performance of ‘Sail’ is the beatboxing skills of freshman Anthony Blatter. Langa said that Blatter’s beatboxing skills make the song sound real, which adds a lot to the performance. While some people may find beatboxing a difficult task, Blatter said that his skill comes naturally.
“It’s all in the mouth,” Blatter said. “I use my tongue and lips to make the noises. I can even make little additions to the music when I breathe. You can really make music with anything.”
Blatter has been involved with music since he joined his choir in elementary school. When the a cappella groups came to the middle school to perform last year, he decided it was a group he wanted to be a part of. With Blends with Benefits, Blatter feels as if he has found a tight group of friends.
“No one tries to make themselves seem better in this group,” Blatter said. “After we practice, it’s really fun to see how our work together pays off in performances.”