MANSFIELD, Ohio — Richland Academy’s School of Excellence (RASE) plans on rocking Mansfield’s socks off with their second annual Rockappella show on Thursday, May 14.
Band and Choir Director Chesley Talissé said the group has been practicing all year for this event.
“I’m so excited and I know they’re ready for it,” said Talissé. “I’m proud of it too because it teaches intonation, about pitch, about working together. You’ll see them communicating across the ensemble by just looking [at each other].”
Rockappella is comprised of two groups of 15 sixth, seventh and eighth graders: the rock ensemble and the a cappella choir. They will perform songs from all genres, but some of the ones they are especially excited about are “Rather Be” by Pentatonix, “ABC” by Jackson Five, “Sacrifice” by Creed, “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley and others.
“They do this all by themselves. We just get to sit back and watch them perform,” said Talissé. Tails works in tandem with RASE teacher Damien Boyd.
The Rockappella program was first introduced to RASE students in 2012, according to Talissé. Being a musician for OH70 and other bands from the area herself, she said seeing the program and the youth grow so much over the years has been rewarding.
“We didn’t have that piano, these microphones, we didn’t have anything,” said Talissé as she pointed to various objects in Brody Hall. “It’s just grown and the music program is amazing.”
“I haven’t heard of any other middle school that’s doing a rock ensemble or a cappella choir and I think we’re so set apart. Mr. Boyd and I are very passionate, but they bring that same amount of passion back into it,” said Talissé.
The Rockappella event is open and free to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served in the academy’s Brody Hall. The concert starts at 7 p.m.
