The performing arts program at the high school has gained a lot of success and attention, and it recently earned another achievement.
On Saturday, February 4, From The Top, the high school a cappella group, competed in their first competition of the season. The singing group attended the International Competition of High School A Capella (ICHSA) Midwest Quarter Finals at Ann Arbor Skyline High School, where they competed against nine other groups.
From The Top got second place, right behind Skyline Blues from Ann Arbor Skyline. However, there was only a one-point difference between first and second place.
Senior member Anna Malaker is satisfied with how they performed and the outcome.
“I feel good. I feel like we did a really good job, and it showed on stage, and we got judged fairly,” Malaker said.
Malaker is encouraged about the point gap due to the closeness of the competition.
“The [point] difference was a little bit frustrating, but also, it makes me feel proud and [think] ‘wow we were actually really good,’” Malaker said.
Choir director Jack Phillipson considers the outcome of the competition rewarding.
“We are so excited about the results,” Phillipson said. “It’s hard to put a score on something so subjective like music, but when we saw the judges’ fantastic feedback, it was really exciting.”
The group’s standout performance was earned through hard preparation. They worked hard for this, during their two practices a week, which are about two hours long, in addition to individual work at home.
“Long nights and hard work outside of rehearsals was a huge part of the singers’ prep,” Phillipson said. “We rehearsed late in the evening, so we had to dig deep to find the energy and passion for the project.”
From The Top’s success is in part credited to their bond and love of music. Malaker loves the dynamic of From The Top this year.
“This year, we’re all actually a close-knit group of people, so it’s actually really fun. Honestly, anything we do in From The Top is enjoyable,” Malaker said.
Getting second place at the Quarterfinals made the group qualify for Semifinals, but due to the spring musical, Matilda, being held on the same date, they are unable to attend. Nonetheless, the group is still excited about the future of From The Top and more opportunities.
Even though they can’t attend Semifinals, the group has their eyes on a trip to Boston for a different competition, so they still have their sights set on the prize.
