In its second year of existence, Clarkston High School’s CODAS group earned a spot in national competition in New York City.
‘This is great, a fantastic opportunity,? said Brian Haverkate, choral director for CODAS, Clarkston’s Own Dynamic Acappella Singers. ‘These singers are extremely proud and excited to represent Clarkston High School and community.?
The group earned the spot by placing first in the Great Lake Semi-Finals, March 6, at Clarkston High School.
‘It was a huge moment ? I almost cried,? said Katherine Matisse, Clarkston High School student who watched with the audience.
‘We just screamed, we went crazy,? said Christine Neal, 12th grader and CODAS member.
‘It’s absolutely fantastic,? said Nathan Larkins, junior. ‘We all worked really hard. Now it’s paying off.?
The group will compete against semi-finalists from around the county in the International Championship of High School A Cappella Finals, April 23, in New York Society of Ethical Culture’s 800-seat auditorium across from Central Park.
They also plan to see the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella at the Lincoln Center the day after competition.
CODAS includes 21 singers. Eighteen will compete in New York.
Haverkate, who sang with acappella groups with Michigan State University and at Florida State University, started the group two years ago when he joined Clarkston Community Schools.
‘I wanted to incorporate high-level singing into the program ? this isn’t karaoke,? he said.
They owe recent television music shows like ‘Glee? and ‘The Sing Off? for increasing awareness among their classmates, but hopefully with less drama.
‘They’re not quite as dysfunctional,? said Mylene Neal, Christine’s mother.
‘When ‘Glee? came out, we were saying, ‘hey, they’re copying us,?? Larkins said. ‘But the singing shows got people into it.?
‘It’s cool ? better exposure for us,? Brown said. ‘We look at their song choices and fold it into what we do.?
The group sings different styles of pop and acappella music such as Imogen Heap’s ‘Hide and Seek,? ‘Bring Me to Life? by Evanescence, and ‘Kingdom in the Sky.?
‘We work as a team,? said Neal, who has been with the group for two years. ‘I really enjoy singing the different styles.?
‘The whole atmosphere is great,? said Larkins, also with the group both years. ‘We’re a tight group. We hang out outside of school. Everyone wants to be here. We’re dedicated, like a sports team. We have chemistry with each other.?
Members learn from each other and are always improving, said Taylor Brown, junior, in her first year with the group.
‘We depend on each other,? Brown said. ‘We communicate during performances ? we all depend on everyone else to make a great sound. That makes us accountable.?
With each student chipping in $750 towards the $13,500 trip, they are planning several fundraisers, including a Bowlathon, 1:30-3 p.m., April 3, at Cherry Hills Lanes, 6697 Dixie Highway, $20; Pete’s Coney, 4-8 p.m., April 6, group members serve and perform some songs for tips; can drives and spaghetti dinner, to be organized; and tie dyed T-shirts for $10 donations. They also seek Patrons and Donors to sponsor the group.
For more information, call Haverkate at 248-623-3519.