Acapella at the Apollo (Fairfield Prep Encords)

A Cappella at the Apollo 

The Apollo Theater in the Harlem District of Manhatten, New York.

     I recently performed at the Apollo Theater with my A cappella group, The Fairfield Prep Encords, during the Apollo’s Jazz Festival. The New York City Jazz festival is produced by Manhattan Concert Productions, and allows A cappella groups and instrumental groups from all over the country perform at this hallowed hall of music. The festival consisted of two days worth of activities, starting with a clinic and ending with a performance at the Apollo. 
Early Saturday morning, the Encords, and the Jazzuits (the instrumental group) left Fairfield with the music director Christine Evans. The A cappella group consists of 8 boys and 8 girls, and the group practices for 90 minutes every week. The all-male instrumental group practices for 90 minutes as well. The train ride on day 1 consisted of a group sing-along of the set list we had prepared (much to the delight of the other passengers in the car). Once in New York, we rushed to the Marriott in Times Square to participate in a clinic before the big show. The instrumental group was up first, their clinic being led by Pete McGuinness. The man was clearly an incredible musician, as he was able to pick up any instrument, and play it brilliantly despite it not being an instrument he frequently played. Following the instrumental clinic, the a cappella clinic was led by Greg Jasperse, a professor at Western Michigan University. We performed two songs from our set, “Words” and “Use Somebody.” After singing “Use Somebody”, Jasperse informed us that he helped produce the song and worked closely with the lead singer of Kings of Leon. Needless to say, we were all quite taken aback and impressed with the caliber of our critic’s credits.
Following the clinic, the group traveled to the bright lights of Broadway to see Something Rotten! The show is absolutely hysterical and Brian Darcy James truly shines in his role. Without a doubt, the best song in the show is called “A Musical.” With a broad knowledge of theater the allusions made in this song are both genius, and hilarious. The witty, comical nature of this show makes it a must see! 
The following day, the groups traveled to Harlem, to perform at the Apollo Theater. Encords was chosen to be the group used for sound check, so we were the first people on the stage. We got the opportunity to touch “the stump” (a famous tree that was touched by performers like Ella Fitzgerald before they went on stage). We were also the first group that performed. Our set list included “Kalamazoo” “Use Somebody” “Words” “Sir Duke” and “Pompeii”. To be on the same stage where Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder have performed was an unbelievable and unforgettable experience. Following our performance, we got to watch other high school a cappella groups from all across the country including Florida and California. Later that evening, a professional a cappella group known as The Real Group performed at the Apollo. Encords actually sang one of their songs, “Words” during our performance. The group is absolutely incredible, and one of the most famous a cappella groups in the world. This opportunity was an invaluable experience, and I highly recommend other a cappella groups to try to get involved in next year’s Jazz Festival!

Encords is a Mixed (Men and Women) Jazz/ A Capella Choir. It is audition only; auditions are held in the spring. They sing contemporary/modern to classical jazz music and they perform with the band and choir as well as perform at other gigs. 

-Sarah Kulaga, 16

Junior at Lauralton Hall

Member of the Marketing Committee in the NPT Youth Board