This year, Oakwood is back at Acafest after a short absence due to COVID-19. At Acafest, students in A cappella groups from around Ohio get chosen to perform in front of others, go to masterclass designed to help them improve their singing skills, and watch a professional group sing.

“You are free to go around the school… and attend the various masterclasses throughout the classrooms. Each group also gets scheduled two 40 minute classes where they perform their set and are instructed on how to improve staging and sound,” Alena Weaver (12) said.

This year was the first since the COVID-19 pandemic that Oakwood participated in Acafest. Both groups did very well and placed in the top 20. Though it isn’t a competition, groups still are ranked to find out when they will perform. 

 “Before the event, groups send in their audition, and the top groups are showcased on the main stage,” Callie Hayes (9) said.

But before they can go onstage, they must be prepared to put their best foot forward. It takes hours of practice each week and a lot of dedication. Students work with Jeremy Storost so he can make corrections or adjustments wherever necessary. 

Ellerie Stone said (9), “It takes weeks and weeks of preparation, we have to have staging and also make sure that our music sounds good.”

Teamwork is a big part of A cappella. Students work together to stay motivated and work on their song together. 

“We take the feedback from the clinic and performance and use it for our future performances throughout the year.” Hayes said. “Moving forward, I think excitement and motivation is a big thing that we try to help each other with, and Mr. Storost helps us make our song look and sound the best it possibly can.”

The group will perform again Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium for the annual holiday concert.