Singing through the pandemic; Samohi Barbershop makes it to the finals
By Sakura Amano, Staff Writer
Despite having to adjust to distance learning this school year, our very own Samohi Barbershop Quartet managed to qualify as a finalist in the 2021 Virtual Junior Quartet Challenge. The competition was introduced as an addition to the reimagined annual Barbershop Harmony Society’s Virtual Midwinter Convention.
The Samohi Barbershop is an all-male group with members Sidd Wali (’21), Alex Homami (’21), Colin Inatsugu (’21) and leader, Alex Chopra (’21). Even with online school, they have continued to keep the quartet alive by sharing sheet music with one another, listening to and learning tracks/previous recordings and holding video calls. Though the experience may not be as eventful virtually, the students are still grateful to be a part of the quartet during these times.
“This group is special because of our persistence to keep going despite the pandemic, all while staying safe and sound. Making music is an irreplaceable experience that the group provides for me, along with the companionship we all have,” Inatsugu said.
The actual challenge process consisted of first having to pick a four-part barbershop piece to memorize and perform. From there, the group needed to attain the sheet music and create learning tracks. After learning their individual parts and each recording themselves with a track in ear, Homami was given the task of editing the audio together and overlaying video of the quartet singing and dancing. Once this was completed, the final video was ready to be submitted into the competition, where viewers voted for their top five favorite videos from Jan 1 to Jan 17.
Though COVID-19 has been especially difficult for people in the arts, Samo’s Barbershop group members were able to pull together through commitment and love for their craft.
“The acapella groups are not required, so everyone who is singing is really passionate about putting together the best performance we can and allows us to connect personally,” Chopra said.
“Although we didn’t qualify for top 5 in the competition, it was a great way to promote the choir program at Samohi and introduce people to the world of Barbershop”.
Watch their December 2020 performance here!: