Lindbergh's A Capella Choirs Learn Lessons in Life and Song

Lindbergh High School’s A Capella Concert Choir Members: Ariane Rinehart, senior, Ronny Bass, sophomore, Nicole Chabloz, junior, Andrea Lair, junior, Grace Vangel, sophomore, Travis Herd, senior and Peter Kempf, senior.

Awesome Action: The Lindbergh A Capella Group advanced to the Missouri State level of competition on April 30. The competition, which was held in on the Mizzou Campus in Columbia, MO was comprised of singers from across the state who had all received the highest possible scores at the district competition. Bass, Chabloz, Rinehart and Vangel, Lair, Vangel all competed in solo competition. In addition, Herd, Kempf, Lair and Vangel performed as a quartet.

How: Singers are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the best. They are judged on list of criteria including musicality, dynamics, breathing and intonation. In order to reach state, the singers must have all received 1’s in the district. Choir director, Laura Swearingen has lead her students to State for nine consecutive years. “These are just amazing kids. It’s tear worthy to see them get this far,” she said. “They work really hard.”

What More: For the singers in the group, the lessons go far beyond just carrying a tune. “I never really knew where I ranked until I went to one of these competitions. But it’s nice to know where I fit in because music is where I want to go with my future,” Lair said.

They also learn, at a very early age, how to handle constructive criticism. “If you take it personal, you’re never going to improve,” Rinehart said. “Without it, you’ll always think you’re at your best, when really, you can always do better.”