Community Corner
Whiz Kids: Encore (With Video)
Encore, an a capella group that performs throughout the school year at functions statewide, is made up of nineteen DHHS students.
Name: Encore
School: Daniel Hand High School
Accomplishments: Encore performed at the 2011 Madison Public School’s Convocation to the delight of faculty and staff. The nineteen Daniel Hand High School students, led by Music/Chorus Teacher Ronald Soja, is an a capella group that performs throughout the school year at functions statewide.
Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
This year, almost 50 students auditioned to be a part of the group. “They have to sing a song for me that showcases their voice,” said Soja. “And then they have to make up a harmony to a song, on the spot.”
Key to Awesomeness: The students make time to practice once a week and perform at about 25 statewide performances, including graduations and private functions.
Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I loved watching it when I was younger,” said Senior Kate Adams, who has been with the group for two years. “I was inspired to be in the group because it always looked like they were having so much fun, looking at each other and making music without any other instruments. I just thought it was really cool!” Adams sang in the Elm City Girls’ Choir for six years.
Junior Josiah Fox has also been a part of the group for two years. “I saw them perform and I was just in awe how amazing they were,” said Fox. That is when he decided he wanted to be a part of the group. Fox says he’s been singing since he was born and is also a member of DHHS Show Choir and Wassail singers.
Although both Adams and Fox says they would like to continue their singing after they leave DHHS and head off to college they do not think they would consider singing professionally. Said Adams, “I like singing for fun!”
