Jessica Bai ’16, Sarah Barr ’16: A new Episcopal Academy Upper School music requirement will be introduced to all students after President’s Day Weekend in mid-February. In an attempt to increase the appreciation of arts at EA, James Erwin, Director of the Music Department, drafted an proposal in which advisories must sing in Chapel to replace the Upper School Vocal Ensemble.
“I came up with this great idea that we thought would really help encourage singing in the Chapel,” Erwin commented. “I was inspired by seeing the lunch cleanup during J-Term since the tables weren’t getting cleaned up because of the whole advisory system of cleaning up had broken down, and in Chapel it’s the same thing.”
Advisees and corresponding advisors will lead chapel singing through rotation. Every advisory will sing for two Upper School Chapels.
Photo courtesy of twitter.com/ea1785
“This would be a perfect way to get everybody else on board to sing during these important times of the week.” Erwin encouraged, “Sometimes, we would even have some of the advisories go out into the aisles and stand in front of each class; Seniors can stand in front of seniors, juniors in front of juniors, and so on. It would be a wonderful leadership opportunity, and I’m sure it will help the singing.”
Erwin plans to implement advisory involvement the first Tuesday Chapel block after President’s Day Weekend; however, he plans to rehearse with the lucky few who get to sing first.
“For non-singers, they will rehearse during one Activity period in the choir room with me before we actually sing. It would be a good time for preparation,” Erwin noted. “I can give them some tips and go over the hymns in advance so they’re prepared before going into Chapel.”
Similar to Upper School lunch duty, the task of Upper School Chapel singing will be part of every student’s graduation requirement. “I’ve gotten support from Dr. Dinkins that this would be a graduation requirement, so it’s not something students can choose from. I do think everyone will enjoy it, but I want to make it clear that everyone’s going to be required to do this,” Erwin firmly stated.
Photo courtesy of episcopalacademy.org
Although the official announcement relating to this requirement has not been put in place, the few that are aware of it seem to have positive responses. “I think it will be easier to get the students involved if we have a student group up there singing besides the choir,” said Julia Madey ’16. Maddie Hughes ’16 thinks, “It’s time the advisories show the choir what we got. I know my advisory has been practicing weeks for our big debut, and we’re all ready for the new era of Chapel music.”
“Advisories singing and participating in Chapel together would help with the bonding experience that so many teachers want with their advisees,” commented Maura Fay’16. However, she continued, “It may take away from our schools’ talented singers’ opportunities to demonstrate their music talents.”
Nevertheless, advisors at EA are looking forward to this opportunity to perform in front of students and colleagues. “I would love to have my talented advisory be able to show off their wonderful singing voices and we should certainly be one of the first,” volunteered Robert Trumbull, member of the Upper School History Department. “I love the idea because I have the voice of an angel and I’ve never had the chance to put it on display!” “I can’t wait for my 25 minute aria,” exclaimed Thomas Goebeler, Upper School Math teacher.
Head of Upper School Delvin Dinkins strongly supported this chance for undiscovered singers to showcase their talents, referring to the faculty choir performances that are looked forward to at every Open Mic Night. “I think it’s a great idea because the high voices that the advisors have will ring through the ceilings.” Dinkins also observed, “Particularly those history teachers whose voices are angelic and melodious.”
This new singing requirement strives to bring a balance in every US student’s life by incorporating arts into his or her time at the Episcopal Academy. Erwin concluded, “I really want Upper School kids to participate by singing with feeling, emotion, and enthusiasm.”