10 participate in A Cappella Showcase

Representing Upper St. Clair were seniors Bryan Deep, Kriti Gupta, Sofia Jahn, Tyler McClintock-Comeaux, Eitan Schwartz and Ben Seewald, along with sophomores Milena Casiani, Sam Kerber, Trevor McClintock-Comeaux and Claire Reyes. Students receive musical instruction from Laura Surguine, USCHS choir director.

New this year, the PMEA A Cappella Showcase included an all-day workshop with sessions in vocal percussion, movement and style. The workshops were led by Deke Sharon, considered a founder of contemporary a cappella. In total, more than 200 students from approximately 20 area schools participated.

“This is an emerging trend in choral music, and the ‘Father of A Cappella,’ Deke Sharon, worked directly with these students,” Ms. Surguine said. “Students had a great time, met students from all over District 1, and got to sing pop music rather than the traditional choral music.”

The Contemporary A Cappella Showcase concluded with a culminating performance by the high school students. Ms. Surguine believes this will become an annual event, and anticipates the creation of a pop a cappella group at Upper St. Clair High School.