Momentum Strives to Compete in International Competition
Alpharetta High School’s very own a cappella group, Momentum, plans to compete in
their first ever competition series, hosted by the Varsity Vocals ICCA (International
Championship of Collegiate A Cappella). Momentum will attend several competitions that occur
regionally throughout the spring of 2016, that will hopefully lead to Momentum advancing to the International Championship of High School A Cappella Finals in New York City in late April.
Momentum is a mixed after-school activity that is an offshoot of the Chorus program,
both of which are taught by Ms. Austin. Anyone can audition, but a student must prepare a 15-30
second song and sing it in front of Ms. Austin and the members of Momentum from the previous
year to even be considered for callbacks. A student does not have to be in Chorus or Band Or
Orchestra to be in Momentum, and seniority does not affect the audition processes or solos.
The Varsity Vocals International Championship of A Cappella is the only tournament that allows
singers to show what they can bring to the world of singing at an international level. The idea of
going and actually competing is a concept that is both frightening and exciting to the singers from
AHS.
“I’m fairly confident in what our a cappella group can do. I know we’re already working
and creating some potential pieces and mash-ups, and come competition, I think we’ll have a
shot to do well, for rookies.” Karthik Ramaswami, member of Momentum, said.
Momentum starts rehearsing during anchor time and after school at least twice a week.
Competition will begin in the spring, and Momentum strives to come out on top.
“Momentum will send in an audition tape [to the ICHSA], in which they have to prepare
a four-song set, and the ICHSA committee will then determine whether or not they earn a spot
to even compete.That is what we’ll be working on for the next two months,
and then we will find out in probably November or December whether or not we were selected
to go compete at semifinals.” Austin said.
Student singers who compete here aspire to make it to collegiate a cappella, where they can
showcase their skills, and become hired or noticed by agents.
For kids whose singing is their life, this international competition prepares them and motivates
them to be better and sing better and to show the world what they can do.
“...I think that really this year is going to be an opportunity for us to see what else is out there, and
to get the kids excited and eager about working even harder to grow the group and make it
better.” Austin said.
