By Ryan Guth

In the latest episode of the Choir Ninja podcast, host Ryan Guth interviews uber-decorated One Voice director J.D. Frizzell on why you should bring a cappella to your school, how to get started, and what you'll need.

Frizzell, who is the director of fine arts at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, TN, graduated in May 2017 with a doctorate in choral conducting from the University of Kentucky. His group, OneVoice, has been on "America's Got Talent," performed at ACDA, collaborated with The Swingles and New York Voices, won the Macy's All-School A Cappella Challenge judged by Pentatonix, and recorded with SONY.

The Mechanics of Starting an A Cappella Ensemble

Contemporary a cappella is a valuable tool for smaller schools to engage students in choir. It is excellent for recruiting students, but also for engaging your audience.

This style of singing helps drill essential singing skills: pitch, rhythm, tone, diction, etc.

Vocal percussion: Look for a student who can be consistent with their sounds, consistently producing quality sounds, and then... practice. Student needs a solid sense of tempo.

Mics, sound systems are great but not mandatory when starting out. There are lots of good options and no single right answer to the question, "What should I buy?"

The 3 C's of Managing Parents

Frizzell shares some wisdom about building relationships with your singers and their parents and how to maintain a supportive choir program. Frizzell started with what he knew, a jazz ensemble. When that didn't catch on the way he wanted, he tried a cappella, and it was an instant hit. The students connected strongly with the material and were eager to practice it on their own.

Their desire to get every nuance of their music right has also transformed the rest of the choir program, as those students bring that same drive and work ethic with them to rehearsal with other choirs.

A successful a cappella group could breed resentment. Head that off by being equally invested and present with each of your ensembles.

Parents want and need to know that you are competent, in control, and that you care. If they know those "3 C's," parents will be your assets and allies.

For More Resources:

Frizzell's 5-Day Rehearsal Method

J.D. Frizzell on Danny Ozment's "Recording A Cappella"

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