Total Vocal with Deke Sharon!

Later this month I will be able to cross off traveling to New York City from my bucket list! I am very excited about this trip. Not only do I get to explore NYC, I also get to perform at Carnegie Hall with newchoir!

Total Vocal with Deke Sharon is being produced by Distinguished Concerts International New York. (Yes, that Deke Sharon. The Deke Sharon behind the arrangements of Pitch Perfect. Aca-awesome!) For the last few months, under the direction of Scott Pietrangelo, newchoir has been learning and rehearsing 9 songs arranged by Deke Sharon. In New York, along with choirs from across the globe, we will be performing these arrangements under Deke Sharon's direction.

Below are brief bios of each participating ensemble!

newchoir, Canada
newchoir, Toronto's first rock choir, is a group of 160 enthusiastic singers and musicians. Formed in 2005, newchoir has distinguished itself by performing SATB adaptations of Top 40, alternative and classic rock genres.


The Blenders Chorus, Australia
The Blenders represent the core of the Gold Coast Barbershop Harmony Club. Formed in 1988, this non-profit organization provides entertainment with a repertoire that includes classical, rock and roll, and Australiana. All are presented in four-part a cappella male vocal harmony in Barbershop or SATB-related style. The Blenders have been Australian National Chorus Champions eight consecutive times! 

Chautauqua Lake Secondary Chorus, NY
The Chautauqua Lake Secondary Chorus is a curricular ensemble open to students in grades 9-12. In addition to school performances the group hosts and participates in the NYSSMA Choral Major Organization Festival. The Chautauqua Lake Central School District is located in Mayville, NY and has around 900 students in grades pre-k through 12. 

Eldred Key Elements, NY
The Eldred Key Elements are an auditioned-based a cappella group open to students in grades 7-12 at Eldred Jr./Sr. High School, who perform arrangements of many genres including pop, jazz, country, alternative/rock, and many more! 

Five Towns College Dominance, NY
Five Towns Dominance is an all women a cappella group made up of Five Towns College students.  

G-E-T Vocal Point, WI
Vocal Point is a 15 member, audition, a cappella group from Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School in Galesville, Wisconsin. Vocal Point performs in various events, and represented the state of Wisconsin at the World Choir Games in Cincinnati, OH in 2012.

Hobson School Choir, MT
Hobson School is a rural school in central Montana serving just over 100 students in grades K-12. The Hobson School Choir consists of students in the 7th through 12th grade. Though small, the ensemble consistently receives superior ratings at local and state festivals and continues to strive for high levels of musicianship. Last year the Hobson School Choir received an invitation to perform on the Tim Janis "Celebrate America" series on PBS. 

Louisiana State University Laboratory School Choirs, LA
The LSU Laboratory School choirs have had the reputation of excellence for many decades. Under the direction of Ms. Patti Hayes, the choirs have traveled to New York, Florida, Italy, Ireland, and England. LSU Laboratory School Choir is now music directed by Diego Daflon T. Pinto. 

Maine South Vocal Jazz Ensemble, IL
The Maine South Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a high school, auditioned, a cappella group. The members of MSVJE learn traditional jazz and blues charts, Broadway arrangements, and contemporary a cappella pieces. Additionally, singers from MSVJE perform in and around the community, and are consistently chosen for the ILMEA District 7 Jazz Festivals. 

Prime Note Ensemble, CA
The Prime Note Ensemble is a Filipino Men’s Chorus based in West Covina, Los Angeles County, in Southern California. Members rehearse & perform under the professional tutelage of its choirmaster and resident arranger Novem G. Cabios. The choir began competing internationally in 2006 at the 4th World Choir Games in Xiamen, China. In 2008, Prime Note Ensemble earned the silver medal in the Male Chamber Category at the World Choir Games in Graz, Austria. At the World Choir Games in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2012, the Prime Note brought home three Silver medals, one each for the Male Chamber, Scenic Folklore and Pop Music categories. 

Serotonin, Australia
Serotonin is an a cappella group based at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Australia. Established only a year ago, the group has come a long way in their musical journey with the help and guidance of their dedicated director Jonathan Albertini. Serotonin has represented the university in the Aus-Aca national a cappella competition in 2014.

Unstrumental/Bare Rhythm, CA
Unstrumental, Calabasas High School's co-ed a cappella group, was established at Calabasas High School in 2001. After the success of that group, Bare Rhythm, an all female, a cappella group was established as well. Both groups have appeared on BOHSA CD's and perform at numerous community and school events throughout the school year. All students in these groups are enrolled in a CHS Music Class. 

Vital Signs, NC
Vital Signs is one of Elon University's co-ed a cappella group, founded in March 2011. An ensemble of 17, they perform a variety of genres across campus. In May 2014, Vital Signs release their first EP, "Impulse".

Pace Academy Upper School Chorus, GA* 
The High School of Saint Thomas More, IL* 
Vocal Academy at St. James, CA*
 * Unfortunately, I was unable to find additional information about these choirs/ensembles.

I am looking forward to this experience, and to performing on the Carnegie Stage! This is an opportunity that may only come this once in my lifetime. I am counting my lucky stars that I get to do this. :)

Join newchoir on March 22nd, when we perform our Carnegie set for friends and family in Toronto!

Until next time,
Tif xo