The a cappella group, the Acatonics performed on Saturday, Jan. 18, in Tennessee at Sparks Chapel in an unscored performance for other a cappella groups.
The singers said they enjoyed the experience in spite of the long travel time. “The invitational was a great bonding experience and the performance went really well. We had a great time performing in front of various a cappella groups. The bus ride was long but very fun. This was just a performance broadcasting our group but our competitions are coming up soon,” sophomore Claire Spivak said.
The Acaonics have worked hard to show other a cappella groups what they have accomplished. “Our group has been preparing for competition since the very beginning of the school year. We’ve spent time after school as well as weekends rehearsing and drilling our set over and over to perfect it in every aspect, and it’s so exciting to see it finally coming together and be ready to share with others,” junior Mona Olson said.
The Acatonics have choreographed dances to fit the songs. “All of us have been working hard to get ready for the competitions and we have come so far. The progress has not been easy but we are all really excited to show off our skills at the competitions. We all support each other and help each other prepare. We have choreographed dances to our songs, which makes them very fun. I can’t wait to show everyone what we can do,” Spivak said.
The Acatonics have visited elementary schools and middle schools performing for students.“This year we performed for a bunch of people at different schools that feed into our school. But I think my favorite was walking around Rio singing Christmas carols. This day was super fun because we spent the whole day together. I am so excited for the upcoming competitions and spending time with all of my friends,” sophomore Nicole Dirk said.
The Acatonics are not just a singing group. They establish connections with people across the school and have fun together. “Last year was my first year in a cappella and I was really nervous. But once practice started, it became much easier to get to know everyone. It’s the same with this year, once it started I got to know all the new people. This year I met Nicole in a cappella and we became super close through having so many practices. I wouldn’t have gotten to know her without a cappella,” Spivak said.
The Acatonics practice during the eighth period at school but sometimes, they have out-of-school practices to be prepared for their next performance. With so much time that they spend together, they’ve created friendships. “We have practices every day during eighth period but sometimes we will practice after school. Since this is my first year in a cappella and I’ve made so many new friends. I always have so much fun during practices and I’ve even reconnected with Claire and I’m so glad that we’ve become so close. A cappella has truly changed my life,” Dirk said.
