As an aspiring music teacher and president of St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy’s a cappella group, senior Anna Henderson is already getting hands-on experience in her career.
“Being president of the group has been such a gift,” she said. “It gives me a glimpse into what life will be like as a music teacher since I am able to lead our warm-ups and rehearsals. It’s also given me leadership qualities that I know will help me after I graduate.”
Henderson is an original member of the group, which is led by choral and theater director Joe Hergenreder.
“Since I’ve had the privilege of leading this group since it began, my favorite aspect has been seeing it grow,’ said Hergenreder. ‘I am always feverous at the end of each year when I think about the senior talent we’ll be losing, but the group has continued to grow with every incoming class.’
Henderson attributes the group’s success to the tight bonds formed among members, and the traditions they’ve established in the school’s short history.
“I love the close-knit community we’ve built. Everyone is so supportive of each member in the group,” she said. “If one member is nervous about auditioning for a solo, we all offer encouragement and stand next to him or her while they sing for moral support.
‘One of the great gifts of music is that it unites and connects people. Our a cappella group has formed relationships that will last a lifetime.”
The a cappella group has a tradition that reminds graduating seniors of the special experience they’ve had. Beginning at the school’s first graduation ceremony, and at least once every year during different performances, the group performs its own version of the Imagine Dragons song “Demons.” At the 2015 graduation, the group sang “Wavin’ Flag” by K’Naan, and the members sang “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at the 2016 graduation.
“The unique arrangement we created incorporates The Beatles’ ‘Let it Be.’ It has so much meaning for us. Every year, it lets us remember past members, and sends our seniors off knowing we’ll continue to remember them,” said Henderson. “Singing it at all three graduations so far have been my favorite performances.”
Hergenreder agrees. “They are highly emotional because it’s the last time the seniors will perform with the group. It’s bittersweet to think about how far they’ve come and how much they have to look forward to.”
The group meets twice per week during school hours and once a week after school. Hergenreder is considering entering this year’s group into competitions after hearing its potential during the first few months of the school year.
The St. Joe’s a cappella group has graduated 12 alumni, one of whom is studying music education, and several others who continue to perform in choirs and other musical groups.
