On Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, KO’s a cappella groups Crimson 7 and Oxfordians took the stage once again in the 2024 Wyvern Invitational A Cappella Festival (WIAF).
WIAF originally began as an event between KO and Hall High School but eventually grew into an event that hosts an array of in-state and out-of-state a cappella groups. Each group performs in front of a panel of judges, where awards are given to the top four schools.
The most notable change to this year’s WIAF was the venue. Due to Roberts Theater sustaining a significant amount of water damage over winter break, the event had to be moved to the Mandell JCC while the theater underwent repairs.
“It was great to be able to have such a nice place to perform,” senior Oxfordians member Ally LaCroix said. “It was definitely different as it is something you aren’t used to, but it was overall a positive experience.” Junior Crimson 7 member Zaire Ramiz shared a similar sentiment, believing that the JCC allowed the a cappella groups to perform on neutral ground as opposed to performing in Roberts Theater. “I think it was a nice change of scenery,” Zaire said.
In the weeks leading up to WIAF, Crimson 7 and Oxfordians prepared extensively for the event, having extra rehearsals on Thursday evenings in addition to their usual Tuesday rehearsals. “Even though there were just two extra one-hour rehearsals, they paid off,” Ally said. Every year, Crimson 7 and Oxfordians prepare two songs to perform at the festival. This year’s songs were “Sail Away” by the Jonas Brothers and “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé, performed by Crimson 7, while Oxfordians sang “Confident” by Demi Lovato, and “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. “I think that both groups came really prepared this year,” Zaire said. “The competition was extremely fierce, but it was super fun anyway.”
Performing in a competitive setting differs from performing in a concert or at an assembly. While KO did not place this year, it was still an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. “You get to meet so many different people who are interested in what you like to do,” Zaire said. “All the groups are all really supportive of each other no matter what, which is really something that I appreciate.” Ally shared a similar sentiment. “WIAF is such an amazing event,” she said, “where you can hear your friends, peers, and other students all over Connecticut sing. It’s just such a joy.”
Congratulations to Crimson 7 and Oxfordians for your performances at WIAF this year. Good luck in all of your future endeavors, and we cannot see what else you have in store as the spring concert season approaches.
