The a cappella class is back from a two-year sabbatical and is taught by music department director Trevor Chaix, who not only brings wisdom, but also support, guidance, and enjoyment to the class.
“Unlike other ensembles that require specialized equipment, a cappella relies on the instrument every student already possesses: their own voice,” Chaix said.
Principle David Yoshihara said a cappella was discontinued at PHS in 2022, but was reintroduced at the beginning of this year.
“Enrollment declined to a point where I think it was too small to offer a section on it, and at that point, it was discontinued. It was brought back because, in talking with Mr. Chaix, he was supportive,” Yoshihara said.
Yoshihara said he was also enthusiastic in getting the class started.
“[Mr. Chaix] has been a really good teacher,” said a cappella student freshman Ruby Mouat. “He’s really helpful when I have a question about something, and he keeps us on track to make sure we’re doing well.”
Chaix said bringing back a Capella has been a focus since he got to Piedmont.
“Since I arrived at Piedmont three years ago, I’ve been hoping and pushing for the return of a choir class. Choir is one of the most fundamental music classes a school can offer,” Chaix said.
Chaix said all students are welcome and the class is made up of varying levels of experience.
“Joining this class was my first time really singing. I wanted to put myself out there more,” said freshman Stella Stureson.
Mouat said the class is valuable even for people who are not experienced singers.
“I would encourage people to take the class, I know people say ‘oh I’m not good at singing’, but honestly the main point of the class is to just have fun and get more experience with singing, and I’d really recommend the class,” Mouat said.
Stureson said the class is not only a new musical outlet, but also a social one, which adds to the enjoyability of it.
“I have been having a lot of fun, I really enjoy it because it’s a way for me to do something I love while being able to bond with people that I haven’t met before,” Mouat said. “I’m new this year, so I didn’t know anybody in the class, but now I feel like we’ve gotten really close and it’s been really cool to meet people.”
Part of the appeal of a cappella is that it fulfills art credits.
“I really like singing so I was really excited to have the opportunity to take [a capella] for art credit, and I knew one of the people who was doing it, so that made me extra excited to take it because I’m good friends with her so that was really cool,” Mouat said.
Chaix said that the students in a capella are preparing for the upcoming Winter Concert.
“I am very excited for our a cappella debut at the December 11th Piedmont High School Music Concert,” Chaix said.
Mouat, Boothby, and Stureson said they are also eagerly anticipating their upcoming performance.
“I’m really excited to perform on stage with my a cappella class so that’ll be really cool,” Mouat said.
At the Mega Concert, the jazz band, symphonic band, orchestra, and a cappella will combine in one collective concert.
