Inside BSM’s Upperclassmen A Cappella Group: Red Knotes
The Red Knotes performing at the GET Acafest.
The Red Knotes is a tight-knit A capella group at Benilde-St. Margaret’s that sings pop songs. This is an audition based group and made up of only 11th and 12th graders and they had a competition, ICSHA.
To enter this group you have to do an audition. Auditions are where you normally sing a song and then try different vocal parts to see if you blend with the group. This process could be nerve wracking for some, but the group is really welcoming and open to new members. “What I’m looking for is a good attitude, a strong work ethic, and that you are really confident in what you do,” Red Knotes adviser Ryan Werdon said.
Since they are an a cappella group they sing only using their mouths not using instruments. There are numerous vocal tones that are included in the group which are: soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, and vocal percussion. All of these different parts make up the different sounds. Another Aspect of a capella is dancing and the choreography they have while they sing. This adds an added visual effect that pulls the whole thing together. “It’s definitely its own unique genre within music and the fine arts,” Werdon said.
I mean, we’re all like friends and we hang out and stuff outside of it. so we’re not like, strictly competition. It’s just fun. so everyone’s super nice and like I’ve made a lot of really good friends doing it,
— Greta Hall
They practice Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting at 7:15 am until 7:55 am. When they come close to a competition they practice during homeroom and sometimes after school. With all of the time they spend together they become close as a group and as friends. “I mean, we’re all like friends and we hang out and stuff outside of it. so we’re not like, strictly competition. It’s just fun. so everyone’s super nice and like I’ve made a lot of really good friends doing it,” senior soprano Greta Hall said.
This year they were confident in their abilities and were enthusiastic to compete. With all of the practice and dedication they have put in they are excited to finally show off their skills. “This year we’re trying to really we’re trying to place somewhere like fourth or up that’s our goal,” senior alto Christina Taylor said.
They had lots of enthusiasm and excitement for their past competition. Now that their season is over they are reflecting back on their successful season. This is their only competition of the season, so all of the hard work paid off. “I just love the Red Knotes and we did great at ICSHA,” senior tenor Jeremiah Russel said.
