FARMINGTON – Fourteen teen voices blended seamlessly to bring the classic harmonies of the Beach Boys and the Beatles to life during a rehearsal of the Mt. Blue Voices at Mt. Blue High School on Wednesday.
The a cappella group was formed 10 years ago by Dennis Hayes, the school’s music director; this year the group is hoping to take their talents to the national level.
First stop on the road to national competition will be a northern New England regional competition held later this month in Burlington, Vt. If the group receives first or second place there, they’ll go on to compete in Boston in April against a cappella groups from throughout New England and New York. They’d need top honors there to move up to the nationals in Washington in May.
Hayes said he’d be happy to see his group of 15 crooners make it to the Boston competition. They’re noted for winning awards and singing throughout the state and country, including performances at Portland Pirates hockey games and three trips to Disney World. They’ve performed at the state Legislature’s opening session for nine years and received third place honors in state competition last year.
The ensemble performs mostly songs from the 1960s, with a few more-current pieces like Sting’s “Fragile” – a piece with difficult chord changes and harmonies. They also perform “Fever” and “Rock Around the Clock” complete with period dance moves that make at least one performer a bit uncomfortable.
Devon Robinson said he doesn’t mind most of the dancing, but he feels a little silly doing the twist. But mostly Robinson, one of two basses in the group, likes singing.
“It’s enjoyable,” he said. “And it takes up my Wednesday nights,” he added.
Tenor Jake Smith appreciates the group’s ability to meld voices together into melody.
“Sometimes we make these great harmonies and we look at each other and go, Yeah,'” he said.
The high school students have a real sense of camaraderie and the feeling of an ensemble, despite several singers having solo opportunities. They have good dynamics, musically and socially.
“The people all get along; there’s great chemistry,” said alto Angie Richards. Also a fiddler, Richards wants to minor in music in college and major in English. She’s already auditioned at a university in Tennessee. She also hopes a family member in the country group Lone Star might help her with her music career.
One might think 16- and 17-year-olds would balk at singing older tunes. And sometimes, when Hayes introduces a tune, they do. But mostly, they have fun with it.
“We’re singing old songs and making them hip and cool,” said Smith.
The group has dates available for gigs and, though they sing for free, donations are accepted. To book them, people may call Hayes at 778-3561.
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