Thirteen students from LPC’s vocal jazz ensemble “BayBop” and one professor, Andreas Preponis, performed side by side. Each performer carries their own part through elements of “scatting,” a vocal improvisation technique of nonsense syllables, building a layered sound.
Notes that might sound so odd and unfamiliar alone come together to form the familiar tunes of “Soul Bossa Nova.” The night’s crowd favorite and a highlight of the group’s achievements.
On Nov. 13, the LPC Music Department held its annual choir concert. The school’s touring vocal ensembles — LPC Chamber Choir and BayBop — featured at the Mertes Center for the Arts.
The hour-long program showcased the musicality of student voices, featuring performances of traditional choral music sung by the Chamber Choir. BayBop explored multiple genres with a focus on jazz.
During the week, ensemble members rehearse with sheet music in hand and microphones at the ready. On weekends, they travel all over the Bay Area, performing at vocal festivals. These performances served as recognition for students’ talent, teamwork and ability to blend with each other.
Despite how simple it may seem — standing side by side, singing in front of a crowd — the ensemble must learn how to stay in tune and adapt to each other. Both sound and chemistry matter in the team’s compatibility.
These ensembles have existed at LPC since before Preponis arrived. However, since Preponis’s first term in 2023, these groups have not only gained in numbers but also in voices.
Preponis recalled his first memories with the Chamber Choir ensemble. “We started very small with nine members, and they did well. The next semester we had 13, and then somehow the word spread,” said Preponis. “Suddenly, we had doubled in size and it didn’t stop there.”
BayBop has stayed relatively small with only 13 members this fall. The number is intentional. The group’s style of “crunchy harmonies”, which are sung notes that are close to each other by a fret, makes it easier to identify individual notes.
As talent continues to surge at LPC, so does the demand for a creative outlet — making the music department’s early-semester auditions some of its most sought-after events. Preponis looks for performers who not only possess good musicianship but who hold their parts while listening to their peers. He creates ensembles that work together naturally and instinctively.
The director has watched each ensemble evolve over the years. Not one group has remained the same — each year brings unique people and voices. One thing that he and every student takes away is that a stronger dynamic amongst students means even better performances.
“Ensembles whose members like and respect each other sound better,” Preponis said. “When you work in harmony — no pun intended — with others … you can kind of check your individuality at the door and just come in and be part of something bigger, and do so with people that you like and that like you back.”
For students, performance comes not only from practice, but also from learning experiences. Sam Hunsigi, a first-year student in BayBop, described how the material he learned from music theory class applied to actual music. He also learned to contribute his fair share to a group without overpowering the ensemble.
“As someone who used to have more experience singing solo, it’s a slightly different skill set when there are people to share a song with,” Hunsigi said. “I’ve definitely gotten a lot better at having chemistry with other singers.”
Renn Ma, a second-year member of Chamber Choir, said the ensemble taught him a great deal about teamwork.
“As a team player, I understand that sometimes I make mistakes,” Ma said. “But others can make up for those mistakes, and I can also cover for them when they need help.”
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TOP PHOTO: “BayBop”, LPC’s student jazz ensemble performing in the main stage theatre on Nov. 13. Each of their voices harmonize together creating an artful showcase of vocals for the duration of the performance. (Photo by Sam Barnes/The Express)
Kiarra Bautista is a staff writer for The Express. Follow her on Instagram @KiarraFaithh.
