'Famously Talented' A Cappella Choir Performs for Foxborough School Committee

Monday night’s School Committee meeting opened with a performance based Teaching and Learning Highlight featuring one of Foxborough High School's A Cappella choirs led by Mr. David Piper.  

Described by Foxborough Schools Superintendent Debra Spinelli as “famously talented,” the Mixed A Cappella choir consists of members ranging in age from freshmen to seniors and includes both boys and girls. The ensemble meets prior to the start of their school day at 6:45 a.m. twice a week to perform popular music ranging from doo-wop to contemporary radio hits.

All music is performed without instrumental accompaniment, includes vocal percussion, multiple soloists, and creative arrangements that utilize all aspects of the human voice. Mixed A Cappella choir members performing as part of the teaching and learning highlight included: Emma Carleton, Jenna Cherry, Lauren Field and Mollie Madigan, Mara Canfield, Sasha Greenhalgh, Maureen Sharpe, Ravmyr Fede, Curtis Hudson, Timmy Smith, Nick Adair, Matt Melo and Shane Walsh.

Featuring soloist Carlton, a senior at FHS, the group performed the popular tune by Marvin Gaye, I Heard It Through the Grapevine. Speaking to the true talents of the students, Carlton explained that their choir was made up of both instrumentalists and vocalists with many of them playing in either the concert, jazz band or both.

She added that the same is true for the Women’s A Cappella Choir as their membership includes students who also play in the school’s orchestra. Participating in the a cappella group provides an opportunity for camaraderie with friends and the chance to sing more modern tunes, Carlton said.

Ben Harper’s Steal my Kisses was the second song performed and featured soloist junior Nick Adair and Timmy Smith on vocal percussion. When asked about their success, the group agreed that it could be attributed to the amount of time they put in before and after school and the help and guidance from their teacher, Mr. Piper. 

All are invited to come out and hear these wonderfully talented a cappella groups by attending the Winterfest Concert at Foxborough High School on Thursday at 7 p.m.