The Performing Arts Department stand as one of the many treasures within the high school. Not only does it garner immense student participation, but it also channels its energy into productions the entire Wellesley community can enjoy. Of all the groups in the Performing Arts department, the a cappella groups have perhaps the most loyal following. Even with so much praise for their performances, few acknowledge the work that goes into putting on these performances. Who are the student leaders of the four a cappella groups?
​
Starting freshman year, students can audition for the four a cappella groups within the school: A Cappella Anonymous, Inchordination, Ladies First, and Renegade. Each of these groups has at least three leaders, though most have four: Emma Lussier ’18, Sofia Ko ’17, and Julia Desantis ’18 lead ladies first; Jack Grossi ’18, Adam DeLollis ’18, Julia Himmelberger ’18, and Emma Frank ’18 lead A Cappella Anonymous; Jake Diozzi ’18, Will Fulginiti ’18, Caitlin Pfaff ’18, and Emma Downie ’18 lead Inchordination; Kati Guerrero ’18, Tyler Norris ’18, Peter Hodge ’18, and James Hammond ’18 lead Renegade.
​
The central role of a leader in these a cappella group is to help teach and refine the music that the groups learn. “I have the obligation of being the group’s equivalent of a coach in a sport,” said Will Fulginiti ’18.
​
While all leaders share the primary role of aiding the group in learning and performing, some leaders, like the business leaders, have more specialized jobs.
​
“Last year I was a music director and this year I'm a business manager. As a business manager, you have to organize the rehearsal schedule, spearhead group communication, take attendance, and reach out to different people or organizations to schedule gigs,” said Peter Hodge ’18.
​
In his role as music director last year, Hodge completed the same tasks that Fulginiti takes responsibility for this year. Hodge’s desire to become a leader stems not only from his love for music, but also from a goal he set for himself as a freshman.
“Ever since freshman year I wanted to be a leader, and that goal helped fuel a lot of my musical development throughout high school. I love leading anything, but because music is my passion, the combination of leadership and music in the setting of a cappella is something very special to me,” said Hodge.
​
In terms of obtaining the role of an a cappella leader, the groups employ a democratic process.
​
“At the end of the year each member will nominate two people as business leader or music leader. Then those who were nominated and want to be considered for the position prepare a speech for the group explaining why they feel as though they should be leader. The group then votes, and once the numbers are finalized, the leaders are announced,” said Fulginiti.
​
The role of leader clearly requires a great amount of delegating the other group members, but some leaders like Ladies First leader Ko strive to make sure the group remains as fair as possible.
​
“I've implemented more things that allow the group to have more of a voice when doing tasks that would have otherwise been taken on solely by the leader. I think it's important to include the group because in previous years we have been more successful when working in this way,” said Ko.
​
All members of the a cappella groups play a vital role in the rehearsals and performances throughout the year. However, the tasks a leader must carry out require a desire for more creative control than a typical member of a group.
​
“What's different about being a leader is that it's your vision that is directly performed. Although we are quite democratic with decisions in the group, we leaders are often making many of the artistic choices represented in performances,” said Hodge.
Ko agreed with this notion.
​
“It looks easier than it actually is, running a group of 18-20 people, but I love being able to help the group succeed at a higher level,” Ko said.
​
Another aspect that adds importance to the role of a cappella leader is that the groups are completely student-run. Unlike many other programs in the Performing Arts department, the leaders have full control over how their groups are run, what they sing, when and where they meet, as well as many other factors.
​
Hodge attributes this responsibility as the reason why being a leader is so fulfilling.
​
“To see it all come together onstage, a creation that is completely our own, is incredible. Not only that, but helping to create the community in a student-run group is a unique and invigorating experience,” Hodge said.