Never one to shy away from new experiences, freshman Riley Mapp has certainly had an eventful first year of high school. Not only did his a cappella group, Crimson 7, win third place at the Wyvern Invitational Acappella Festival (WIAF), he assisted in achieving this success as one of five soloists that night.
“I’ve been singing since elementary school; the kid’s choir was my first ever experience with music,” Riley said. When he began attending KO in middle school, Riley chose to join the sixth-grade choir. It wasn’t until eighth grade, after auditioning for and joining F2B, that Riley had his first experience with a capella. Now that he’s in the Upper School, he has joined Concert Choir and Crimson 7, the select boys’ a cappella group.
In preparation for WIAF, Riley auditioned for the rap solo. “I did the rap because the week before, my mom said I should do it since I’m a very fast speaker,” he said. “Mr. Baker gave me a look that said, ‘You got the solo.’” When auditions came out the next week, Riley had, in fact, earned the part.
While performing, Riley could feel the energy radiating off of him, something the judges clearly felt as well. “I was very excited,” he said. “During WIAF, I was full of energy from the rap and it just felt really good to spread it.”
Riley reflected on how he has grown as a singer, especially since coming to KO. “I’ve been singing for all my life. Since I was younger, my singing was just screaming very loudly without any tune,” he said with a smile. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve been learning how to sing in tune, especially with my voice getting deeper.” He also mentioned that choir teacher David Baker and Choral Director Steve Mitchell have been essential in exploring and improving his vocal range.
“Music is a very powerful thing, it can make you feel a different sense of emotion,” Riley said. “I think music this year has made me feel happy because I get to sing with my friends. Anytime I walk into that dance studio and sing a capella with them, it brings a smile to my face.”
Riley still has mixed feelings as to whether or not he’ll follow in his brother’s footsteps and audition for the musical next year. “I still haven’t decided, but I think it would be really cool,” he said. While he clearly wants to continue singing as a hobby, Riley isn’t certain if he’ll pursue it seriously. “I guess the future of my singing career will have to wait and see,” he said.
Finally, Riley considered other hobbies he is involved in. “I like drawing, relaxing, and just being creative,” he said. I embrace my creativity. If you have a dream and it just starts with a hobby, keep doing it and it might become your reality.”
