Every Monday after school, voices of passionate singers fill the choir room, including those of the new choir group Fusion, which is an audition-based a cappella group consisting of both male and female identifying students, senior Alyssa Yagelski, Solace and Fusion member, said.

A combination of Solace and Nine, the separate a cappella groups for female and male students, Fusion brings together students from both groups to sing pop songs,Yagelski said. Although Solace and Nine will make more combined appearances as Fusion than in the past, Solace and Nine will still follow certain traditions separately, such as Valentine’s Day serenades, Yagelski explained. 

“[Solace and Nine] come together as Fusion so we can have an eight-part soprano, alto, tenor, [and] bass instead of just a two-part soprano alto.” Yagelski said. “Both groups will still perform on their own, but we are going to be doing a lot more together. We will be performing at our fall and winter concert [as well as the Variety Show] as Fusion, [but Valentine’s Day] serenades will be done separately.”

By creating Fusion, students are given new opportunities to learn from each other, Lauren Berryhill, Co-curricular Ensemble Director, said.

“Fusion is just another opportunity to sing with the whole mix of voices,” Berryhill said. “In my experience, you get different opportunities from singing with people with [different] voice types [than] you than you do from people [with the same voice type].”

In choir, an emphasis is placed on the learning experience and community, with many opportunities for people of all skill levels, senior Sam Cotton, a member of Nine and Fusion, said.

“It doesn’t matter how good you are, it’s worth the experience of being able to connect with so many people,” Cotton said. 

Strong relationships are formed in choir, with many people becoming lifelong friends, Yagelski said. Additionally, Fusion also provides a rare learning opportunity, Yagelski explained. 

“[In] Fusion, you get an amazing experience with a cappella music [that] not every high school can offer,” Yagelski said “When you walk into choir you’re seeing people who are excited to see you, which just makes you feel so welcome in such a big school” 

By being a part of Fusion, Berryhill hopes students will be able to leave with a greater appreciation for music and lifelong connections.

“Whether their career is in it or not, I hope [students] find bonds and connections with one another [and] create friendships that they can carry with them their whole lives.” Berryhill said. “I know that’s what music did for me in high school, so I hope that Fusion continues that legacy.” 

Fusion is more than just what people think of when choir is mentioned, Berryhill explained. The music can be more personal, connecting audiences with the music and serving as a form of expression for the singers.

“I would love for [South students] to support Fusion and listen to us sing” Berryhill said. “A lot of people think [choir is] like Pitch Perfect and Glee, [but] a cappella has a special way of connecting us [by] singing music that we hear and know.”