On March 28th, North Star hosted its first Jazzcapella with schools from all over the state competing. Choir and a capella groups from Elkhorn, Central Omaha, Columbus, Lincoln, and more joined North Star in the music competition. Songs performed ranged from Disney songs like “Be Our Guest” to mid-80’s throwbacks like “Take On Me” by A-Ha and “Love of Mine”. North Star’s Starlights Choir group opened the competition and were followed by 3 musical groups from Elkhorn, Nebraska.

The 3 groups from Elkhorn sang barbershop quartet music which is when a group of 4 talented singers perform a capella in a barbershop style. The barbershop style is characterized by close 4-part harmonies and nostalgic song styles. After the groups performed they were critiqued by Eric Wyler, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University. After critiquing the group would perform based on their critiques. This included changes in pitch, tempo, varying volume, and much more. One of the all-boy groups from Elkhorn sang “Love of Mine” and impressed the crowd with their skill despite the group forming at the beginning of second semester, less than 2 months before the competition. North Star however wasn’t judged due to being the hosts of the event.

In order to make sure the event went smoothly, North Star volunteer and Senior, Alex Harder, worked with other volunteers to communicate the correct times with the groups. Harder was in charge of the Columbus music group. She first took the Columbus team to the auditorium for the opening performance. After the opening, Harder told the groups their performance and warm up times. When warm up time came, she took them to the warm up rooms, then to the stage for the group performance. It was because of the preparation from North Star volunteers and directors that the event was a hit!