By Lizmary Ortiz
Photos by Lizmary Ortiz

Students at The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush are fortunate to be given multiple opportunities to express themselves through the arts. Alongside musical productions and various art exhibitions, Rush has a decade-long tradition of highlighting the artistic talent of its Vocal majors through its seasonal Vocal showcases. Every winter and spring, Choirs 1 through 4 and Chambers unite for a diverse array of musical performances. Directed by the school’s Vocal teacher, Suzanne Spencer, these showcases highlight the abilities of Rush’s singers. From R&B solos to rock-n-roll group performances, the showcases have no shortage of variety.

This year’s Spring Vocal Showcase marks the last performance for the vocal majors of the class of 2018. Since the showcase is split into two days, consisting of Thursday and Friday performances, the Friday show was composed only of Junior and Senior performers. The show opened with Choirs 3 and 4, as they performed unique arrangements of Nda Wana (a traditional South African song), I Say A Little Prayer (arranged by Michele Weir), Hativka (as known as “The Hope,” Israel’s national anthem), and a choral medley from Disney’s Moana.

After the Choirs came a lineup of solos, with some being Found Tonight as performed by Christine Carey and Debora Sermarini; Tyrone featuring Tyanna Johnson-Deshield and Solomon Sulonma; Selena Tribute by Alanis Schwarzler, Ambria Hartie, Nia Forman, and La-Shainnia Peaker; Moanin’ as performed by Solomon Sulonma, Casey Bilger, Kellesha Sabb, John Polanco, Jasyn Brazoban, Sheila Joseph, and Dan McCain; and Best Part performed by Nia Foreman, Joe West, and Shi’Ajia Mitchell.

Amongst the vocal solos were performances by Chambers, with some being original arrangements of Million Reasons by Lady Gaga, a Paramore medley, I Don’t Care by Fall Out Boy, and Superstition by Stevie Wonder. The Chambers rendition of Don’t Speak by No Doubt was featured in the showcase as well; Chambers had recently performed this song at the fifth annual A cappella At The Rock at Council Rock High School North. Their performance had earned lead vocalist La-Shainnia Peaker the Outstanding Female Vocalist caption award, and beatboxer Joseph West was honored with an award for Outstanding Vocal Percussion. The same musical excellence was presented at the Spring Vocal Showcase.

The grand finale for the Spring Vocal Showcase was the performance of I Sing Because I’m Happy. For the last song, all of the current Vocal majors and Chambers members at Rush went on-stage to take part in the performance. Vocal and Chambers alumni were also asked to join in, and the stage was filled with an abundance of talented voices.

The Vocal showcases are held to commemorate the artistic accomplishments of the students at Rush. Without them, Vocal and Chambers members would not have the opportunity to exhibit their creativity and showcase their capabilities. It also serves as a send-off for the seniors, as their last year attending Rush comes to a close. This year, the Vocal department will say its goodbyes to a group of gifted and accomplished singers:

 

However, Rush has no shortage of upcoming artists, each with new talents and potential. As the yearly tradition of Vocal Showcases continue, so will the accomplishments achieved by Rush’s students as they flourish both artistically and academically. Their inspired efforts serve as an ongoing representation of The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush’s mission, which is to connect the importance of creative arts to other content areas.