In the News: Mezzo Devotion makes first appearance at ICHSA finals

NEW YORK — After a breakthrough victory over 11 groups at the Northwest semifinal of the Varsity Vocals International Championship of High School A Cappella, Newberg High School’s glee club, Mezzo Devotion, made a solid showing April 27 in its first appearance at the finals at Hunter College in New York City.

The Oakland School for the Arts’ Vocal Rush won the competition with a score of 414 and received the outstanding vocalist award. Forte of Centerville, Ohio, finished runner-up at 390 and Port Washington High School’s Limited Edition placed third with a score of 381 and earned the award for outstanding arrangement.

Only the top three scores were announced at the competition and although NHS choir director Jason Taylor did not release his team’s score, he estimated that Mezzo Devotion placed around fifth.

The event was scored by five judges based on vocals, choreography and preference. Based on preference, one judge cast a second-place vote for Newberg.

“The group that won definitely deserved it,” said senior alto section leader Katie Collins. “There was plenty to take in from watching the other groups perform, and check out all the different scenes and influences.”

The premise of the competition, and glee clubs alike, is to create all-vocal covers of contemporary pop songs, accompanied by choreography similar to, but not quite like, the television show “Glee.”

Highlighting its diversity, Mezzo Devotion opened with “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, followed up with “Ready for Love” by India Arie and concluded with Jason Derulo’s crowd-pleasing “Encore.”

“Leaving the stage, we all felt confident and were proud of ourselves,” senior tenor, beat boxer and club president Sam Saxton said. “So, I think the group was just happy we made it as far as we did. We didn’t let it get to us too bad because it was out first year going to New York.”

Mezzo Devotion bested Vocal Rush in the Northwest semifinals, but the eventual champions took advantage of their second chance after receiving a wild-card invitation to the finals.

After winning the semifinal, Mezzo Devotion went on a furious fundraising campaign in order to pay for the trip to New York. In addition to soliciting sponsorships from local businesses, the group helped a local church host a youth theater day. The group also held several performances, including one for the Rotary Club, which donated approximately $4,500 toward the trip.

“People just rallied together and supported us,” Saxton said. “We are so grateful for that.”

Mezzo Devotion took full advantage of its chance to explore New York, taking time to explore the city and taking in a Broadway play.

“It was a boisterous, cultural experience,” Taylor said stepping off the bus upon the group’s return to Newberg. “You see places like New York on television, but it is definitely different when you’re actually standing in the city itself.”

Mezzo Devotion will host its final concert at 7 p.m. May 24 at the high school.