Concord High School Gets A Dose Of A Cappella

CONCORD, CA — The bell rang and the students began filing into the lunch room, hurriedly taking seats near the stage. As the lights dimmed, applause rose, and soon music filled the room.But this was not a typical band performance or assembly. This was Pitch Slapped from the renowned Berklee School of Music. They came not just to sing, but also to engage and inspire.

The award-winning a cappella group from Boston is comprised of 13 students at different stages in their education, from first year students to those about to graduate. With varied majors like music business, sociology and chemistry, the students come from all walks of life and are no stranger to the stresses that high school students face.

The group performed for Concord High School during a mid-day assembly in early March to share their love of music and answer questions about college, how to deal with rejections and how to be prepared for interviews.

“This is just so cool and inspiring,” said Justin, a 16-year-old sophomore, clapping along, as the group jammed to a Charlie Puth song.

The performance by the student group was part of Diablo Regional Arts Association and Kaiser Permanente’s College Notes program, where a cappella groups from across the country gathered for a showcase performance at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, while also performing for local high schools.

“This is important for our students,” said Martin Lejano, instrumental teacher at the school. “The group is impressive and I like that the students are able to see opportunity and the power of music. Just positive energy all around.”

After a set of several songs that included renditions of tunes from Coldplay, Stevie Wonder, Brandy and Labyrinth, the group took questions from the students.

“Do we ever get stage fright? Yes!” said several of the performers simultaneously. “But you just have to get comfortable and think about who you are performing for and feel your audience.”

When asked for advice about how to go to an audition or interview, performer Isaiah Carter was honest. “Be prepared. Be overprepared.”

Performer Alex Hernandez is set to graduate in May with a degree in Music Therapy. “Coming to high schools like this gives us a chance to share this music. Many schools don’t have music programs anymore and when we can come here and share our passion, share our energy, we are able to inspire and spread the joy about what we do and where college can take you.”

— Article, photos and video submitted for publication by Deniene Erickson of Kaiser Permanente