On Sept. 22, Ladue and other area students gathered in the Performing Arts Center for a once in a lifetime, up close and personal performance by the a cappella ensemble, Take 6. The 10-time-Grammy Award winning ensemble is known for their intricate harmonies and complex arrangements, and being comprised of six members, the group often sings in six parts. Vocal music students from across the state in schools such as Parkway North, Fort Zumwalt West and Kirkwood joined Ladue choir students from the middle school, Spoede and Conway elementary schools; in addition to the high school’s choir, band and orchestra students. Nearly all 700 seats in the PAC were filled.
“It’s not every day a group that has won multiple Grammy’s is going to be performing at your school,” senior Paige Carlson said. “I was absolutely thrilled to get the opportunity to see them.”
While at Ladue, Take 6 showcased not only their repertoire of hit songs such as, “Windmills of Your Mind,” but also described the process behind performing a piece to students. Throughout the performance, students were singing, dancing and clapping along to Take 6’s songs; their genuine interest in the performers and their music was abundant. Students maintained an energetic spirit the entire time, with some elementary students giving standing ovations at the end of every song. By the end of their set, students were still cheering for an encore, and Take 6 came back on stage to perform an extra song.
Founded in 1980, the group formed college while studying at Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL. Take 6 started from their common love of music and desire to pursue music as a career. Members in the group, such as Alvin “Vinnie” Chea, often appear in voice work in film and television. Chea’s most recent films were “Happy Feet 2” and “The Smurfs,” and his most notable voice work being the opening theme chords for the television series, “Glee.” Being great fans of the popular series, students were in awe when Chea recited the chords spot on.
“I hope students took note not only of their artistry, but also, their ability to connect with an audience, an indication of their continual commitment to excellence,” Ladue Middle School vocal music director, Brandon Williams said.
To book Take 6, Williams was approached by Phil Dunlap of the music education program, Jazz St. Louis about the possibility of showcasing a Jazz St. Louis season artist at school. When word spread, other schools asked to participate and Ladue was chosen as the host school for the performance. After finalizing arrangements, the event was coordinated through the additional help of High School Vocal Music Director, Tom Lowery, and LHWHS arts department chair, Jim Waecter.
“I definitely took away a deeper appreciation for a capella music and music in general. Everyone got really into the performance and it was so fun to stand in the middle of all these people who were just truly excited by the music,” Carlson said.
