On Nov. 26, the Marblehead High School a cappella groups the Grizzlies, Shirley Tempos, Jewel Tones and Luminescence performed before a packed house at the annual Sing Free a cappella night. Guest stars the Beelzebubs — also called the Bubs — came from Tufts University to teach an a cappella workshop and headline the concert.
The Bubs were founded in 1963 and are a nationally renowned a cappella group that performed at the White House last year, and were the inspiration for the movie “Pitch Perfect.” Griffen Collins, a Grizzlies and Jewel Tones alum and current Bub, returned to his hometown to work with his former partners in song.
“It was great to go back and see everyone,” said Collins. “It was great to see all the new faces and see how the music department has been growing and thriving.”
The Bubs held a workshop before the concert offering advice to the MHS a cappella groups before they performed. The Bubs performing tips included keeping eye contact, grooving with each other and keeping dynamic changes consistent among the whole group.
“It was fun,” said Anya Kane, a senior and member of Luminescence. “They offered us a lot of great insight to our set and seem very passionate about the work they do.”
The Sing Free A Capella night was the first performance of the year for MHS a cappella groups, getting them ready for a year of concerts and competitions.
“It’s always fun to showcase Luminescence for the first time each year,” said Kane. “I feel really confident in this year’s group, and I’m so excited to continue working with these talented girls.”
The performance took place just minutes after the end of the Marblehead teacher strike was announced, so it was full of celebratory moments. The Jewel Tones sang “Marblehead Forever” to celebrate the end of the strike, and the crowd applauded Andrew Scoglio, the music director and a teacher at MHS, for all of his hard work.
“It was great seeing Mr. Scoglio again,” said Collins. “I was reminded of how great a director he is and how he lifts students up both musically and personally.”
Current intern Grey Collins is Griffen Collins’ brother.
