Renowned A Capella Group Coming to East Brunswick

East Brunswick Public Schools has announced the first of three cultural events in its 2013-2014 Arts in Education Series starting in the new year.

On Jan. 3 at 8 p.m., ITHACAPPELLA, Ithaca College’s all men’s chorus, will perform live at the the East Brunswick Performing Arts Center (EBPAC), located 200 Rues Lane, East Brunswick. Performing with them in a “mass finale,” will be hundreds of East Brunswick men and guests combined.

Tickets for the evening performance are $10 for adults and $5 for students/seniors. Visit eba.booktix.com for tickets or call 732-613-6985 for more information. Tickets will also be available in the box office prior to the show.

Founded in 1966 by four men with a love for singing and a passion for performing, ITHACAPPELLA has grown to become one of the premier male collegiate a cappella groups in the world. The ensemble’s repertoire has expanded to include everything from traditional barbershop tunes to current radio hits. 

The group has received several awards and accolades including being named the best male ensemble in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, taking home awards for best soloist and vocal percussion. The group conducts two tours each year, and has brought its unique blend of music, humor and education to schools in San Francisco, Washington D.C., New Orleans, New York City and numerous other cities. 

Though the sound of the group has evolved over time, one thing remains constant; its dedication to putting on high energy, fun shows for the entire family.

In addition to exciting main stage concerts, ITHACAPPELLA also enjoys bringing its talent to schools in the form of interactive singing workshops designed to educate and inspire musicians of all ages. Thanks to a grant from the East Brunswick Education Foundation, this men’s ensemble will conduct three master classes for the district’s secondary vocal students; one at East Brunswick High School, one at Churchill Junior High School and one at Hammarskjold Middle School. 

In each of these workshops, students will have an opportunity to listen and ask questions about practice and technique. At the upper levels, 100 students will rehearse for a mass finale to be performed at the evening performance.

This is the sixth year for the district’s Arts in Education Series organized by Arts Supervisor Jeffrey Lesser and funded by the East Brunswick Education Foundation. The series combines unique educational opportunities for the students with world class performances by renowned visiting professional artists for the entire community to enjoy. 

Still to come: The Annual Night of Jazz on March 26, 2014 and the New Jersey Symphony String Quartet Festival and Concert, April 28, 2014.

--East Brunswick Public Schools