Despite setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past few years, the Wyvern Invitational A cappella Festival (WIAF) returned once again to celebrate and recognize numerous a cappella groups from around New England in a one-night-only event on Saturday, Jan. 28.
Founded in 2009, the WIAF is a competition in which various high school a cappella groups are invited to perform in front of a panel of judges in Roberts Theater. “It’s a chance for high schoolers to come together, hear other schools and other performers sing a cappella music, and also share their craft,” Choral Director and WIAF co-founder David Baker said.
The event originally began with only three participating schools but eventually grew to include 14 schools from surrounding states. Ultimately, KO decided to invite a maximum of 10 schools, and the remaining four had the opportunity to participate if another group canceled. “If you’ve been in the festival and competed and enjoyed the experience, then you get invited back,” Mr. Baker stated.
Oxfordians and Crimson 7, the female and male a cappella groups at KO, worked tirelessly to prepare for this event. “We’ve basically been practicing the songs we’ll be performing all year,” said sophomore Crimson 7 member Zaire Ramiz. The soloists representing KO this year include senior Jada Asapokhai, senior Mckenzie Campbell, senior Jacob Joseph, junior Lucas Kollen, junior Jacob Mapp, freshman Riley Mapp, and senior Luke Roen.
Each group was allowed two songs in the competition, and awards include Best Solo, Best Student Arrangement, Best Visual Performance or Choreography, Best Student Director, and Best Beatbox, as well as awards for the top four participating groups. First place went to Lexington High School, and Springfield Conservatory of the Arts received second. Third place was awarded to Kingswood Oxford, and fourth place went to Fairfield High School.
Admittedly one of the most exciting aspects of this year’s festival was the event emcee: composer, producer, and “father of contemporary acappella” Deke Sharon, who is most known for arranging music for the “Pitch Perfect” movies. “Either last winter or spring, we got an email from him just saying, ‘Hey guys, I remember having so much fun in Connecticut with you. If there’s anything I can do to help you guys, if you’re struggling to get a capella up and running, if you just need a new arrangement, I’d be happy to help,’” Mr. Baker said. “I mean, that’s incredible.”
A portion of the money raised from ticket sales goes to fund the annual service trip to Tobati. “It’s not just a celebration of music, but also a fundraiser so that Team Tobati can bring more resources and education to help with personal needs of people in the Tobati community,” Mr. Baker said.
“I am so excited to see the talent, and to get out there to perform and watch my friends perform,” Zaire said. “We all had a really fun time practicing and performing our songs, so we were excited for people to come see it.” Mr. Baker also reflected on the continuation of the tradition. “I can’t say I love it enough, I think it’s amazing,” he stated. “It’s one of the hallmark experiences of each year at KO.”
