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Acapella Music Floods Campus

A special visit from Oxford University's acapella group, Out of the Blue, had choral students in awe.
Ranney School had a special visit from the Oxford University acappella vocal group, Out of the Blue, during the week of March 14. The singers conducted a master class with Ranney’s Middle and Upper School choirs and held two performances on campus.

“This type of singing has caught the attention of our students primarily due to the successes of such films and TV shows as Pitch Perfect, The Sing Off, and of course, Glee—and all of my students listen to and admire the acappella YouTube sensation, 'Pentatonix,'  says Music Teacher and Ranney Choral Director Lillianne Torrente, who brought the group to campus. “I wanted to remind my choral students that music is ever evolving. While acappella is not a new technique, it is very difficult and requires a specific skill set that is similar to, yet different from, solo and traditional choral singing.” 
 
The workshops therefore aimed to teach students about the art of blending, working together toward common goals, heightening one’s focus and listening skills, and exploring optional strategies for success. “These lessons transcend the choral classroom,” says Torrente.
 
Not only did the Out of the Blue group open the master classes with Ranney’s favorite warmup, but they were able to share personal experiences and ideas with students (video here). “There was a great deal of collaboration going on throughout the day—including a spontaneous sing-off at the end of the workshop!” (video here)
 
Overall, the visit also taught Ranney students that choral singing can continue throughout their lives, adds Torrente, who is a vocalist herself. “Regardless of major, students can continue to sing during their college years and well into adulthood.”
 
Other Ranney music master classes and workshops have included a student visit to the Morristown-Beard School to work with Dr. Matthew Webb at the NJAIS Choral Consortium, and there are plans to bring in the director of the Monmouth Civic Chorus, Dr. Ryan James Brandau, to work with students later this spring using current repertoire.
 
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.