Palm Harbor Teen Vocal Group Performs in NYC

Ever dream of performing in New York City?

That dream recently became a reality for a group of talented Palm Harbor University High students. The school's vocal group, the "After School Specials," competed in the International Championships of High School A Cappella last Friday, April 19, in New York City.

The group did not place in the competition, however student Angel Coleman tied with a student from another school for Outstanding Vocal Percussion, a technique in which a vocalist creates sounds with their mouth that is very similar to sounds created by a percussion instrument.

"This is a great first showing on the national level. The kids had a great time," said parent Geri Biewer in a text from New York City. Biewer's son Johnny is a member of the After School Specials.

Blogger Mike Chin had plenty of praise for the teen vocalists. 

"They kicked off their set with Hey Monday’s “I Don’t Wanna Dance”Solid, clear vocals on the lead. Lots of really good bits of staging on this one as the group repositioned and had a great moment packed tight in the middle of the stage reaching for the soloist," Chin wrote in his review of the competition.

The students also got to tour the Big Apple during their visit. Thanks to Brian Hale for submitting photos from the trip. His daughter Lauren is a soprano in the After School Specials. Lauren's mother, Connie Hale is also very proud of her daughter and the other members of the group.

"They are all very talented," said Connie.

"We have multiple soloists and they use their choreography and drama skills to "wow" the audience too.... It's really not about the individuals, it's everyone creating the sound."

Patch would like to congratulate the following PHUH students who are members of the After School Specials. Way to go! We're proud of you!

Sopranos:

• Amanda Springer, grade 12
• Christina Solazzo, grade 12
• Lauren Hale, grade 10
• Kayley Kinports, grade 10
• Danielle Denninger, grade 11
• Karinne Davis, grade 12

Alto / Tenor/ Bass:

• Sarah Mobley, grade 11
• Aly Fiegle, grade 12
• Hannah Bach, grade 10
• Angel Coleman, grade 12
• Gabby Michaels, grade 12
• Megan Feldman, grade 12
• Sebastian Marin, grade 12
• Miguel Corteo, grade 11
• Jimmy Hadaway, grade 12
• Cameron Hoskins, grade 12
• Johnny Biewer, grade 12
• Colter Moos, grade 11
• Tim Hart, grade 11
• Jas Scott, grade 11
• Elijah Chatham, grade 11
• Josh Perlin, grade 11
• Kyle Turner, grade 11
• Ryan Cocks, grade 10

Subscribe to the Palm Harbor Patch newsletter to have local news delivered to your email each day. Sign up here.