04/03/2008 - Boys A Cappella To Return to Big Apple

Most high schools would be happy to just have one performing group chosen to participate in prestigious national competitions and perfromance venues. This year, DeKalb High School has two groups heading to the Big Apple within 30 days. To make it even more interesting, eight students are members of both groups!

Under the direction of Travis Erikson, the Boys A Cappella group, Fly Check, won the regional qualifier over numerous suburban and midwest high school groups last month. The regional victory qualified the group for its second consecutive trip to the Big Apple for the International High School A Cappella Competition, sponsored by Varsity Vocals, Inc. At the same regional qualifier, the Girls A Capella group, The Grace Notes, placed third in just their first year of existence.

The group will be in New York at the same time as the visit by the Pope, making hotel and travel arrangements a bit tricky. Just 30 days later, the DHS Jazz Ensemble will pack their instruments onto an airplane for a prestigious workshop session with professional jazz musicians and a performance at the famed Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Both groups will be holding fundraising events in coming weeks to offset travel costs. The Boys A Cappella group will host a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at the First Congregational Church, 615 N. 1st St., DeKalb from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cost is $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 10 & under. For more information, call (815) 754-2120.

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