Daniel Hand’s VIBE Theme Stranger Things Wins Grand Championship

MADISON, CT — At 6:30am, February 23, 65 singers and dancers from Daniel Hand’s musical ensemble, VIBE, were yawning in the lobby of New York’s Times Square Sheraton Hotel. Some in flannel pajamas and Ughs, some in gym shorts, some with scrunchies or flex rods still in their hair. They thought they were there to eat a pre-dawn bagel before their 9am performance.

But Music director Ron Soja had another idea. He ushered VIBE’s entire cast was out to the hotel sidewalk. Seconds later, they were running around the block, singing the first song from their set list, “What I Like About You” - a classic from the days of MTV.

Yes, VIBE had arrived in midtown Manhattan.

“I’m inspired by sports coaches,” admits Soja. “I knew there was nervous energy to burn off and lungs to exercise. Plus we just wanted to have some fun.”

Other musical teams chewing bagels in the Sheraton lobby just stared out the huge hotel windows.

“OMG, I hope they wear themselves out,” said teen from a competing high school. “Cuz I hear Daniel Hand is good.”

Oh they’re good alright. Seven hours after the impromptu City jog, VIBE had beaten out 10 other show choirs from around the nation, running away with nearly all the hardware: Grand National Champions for their 17-minute song-dance-drama entitled, Stranger Things; while also sweeping Best Vocals, Best Male Vocal by junior Marco Natarelli, Best Band, Best Tech Crew and Best Choreography.

"With all the hard work we put in this year, we definitely had potential to win nationals,” said senior cast member Danielle Farrales. “Mr. Soja works us hard, but VIBE gives us all a safe place express our creative passions. But there is nothing that makes us closer than the motivation we all have to win."

Electric Youth: Dance Captain Danielle Farrales leaps to victory

After three straight wins around New England earlier this winter, the 72-student cast, crew and band hit New York City like the pack of seasoned pros they’d become.

“We were good to go,” says junior Dylan Richmond, “And I could hear from the audience this rush of positivity. I felt maybe VIBE had captivated them.”

Soja’s captivating7-song set was inspired by Netflix’s Stranger Things, set in the ‘80’s, touching on universal teenage themes of tumult (“Little Runaway), tinglings (“Set Yourself Free”), and trivial pursuits such as, “I Like To Ride My Bicycle,” as cast members careened on bikes across stage risers, and were then levitated by fellow cast members.

Dylan Richmond, atop a rising bike: “Exhilarating. But above all that, it’s sheer support, because my fellow members are lifting me up.”

The “Bicycle” song from Queen was a showstopper, but the crowd teared up for VIBE’s haunting ballad of teen angst, “Light in the Hallway:”

“Count your blessing every day

It makes the monsters go away

You are not alone.”

“Our ability to relay a story to the audience, it sets us apart,” reflects Danielle Farrales. “We can connect with them and show them who we are and what we can do, that’s how we’ll win.”

Anything else in VIBE’s winning formula? “Well, yes,” confesses Soja. “Backstage, right before we go on? We do the hokey pokey. It seems to work.”

Let’s Hear It For The Boys: Ben Hoffman, Dylan Richmond, Jamie Watkins, Best Male Vocalist Marco Natarelli

Due to popular demand, VIBE will reprise Stranger Things Friday, March 15 at 7pm, in the Hand Cafetorium. The show will also feature special performances by Best Male Vocalist Marco Natarelli - "Relli" from his recently recorded EP; as well as show choir alum and Great Caesar band member John Michael Parker alongside members of the VIBE Band.

General admission tickets are $15/Children Under 10/Seniors are $12.

Tickets live now: https://dhhs-vibe.ticketleap.c...