Songbook Academy in Concert. Courtesy of Wayne Photos. Used with permission.
Songbook Academy in Concert. Courtesy of Wayne Photos. Used with permission.
On Saturday, a packed house was regaled by the outstanding vocals of forty exceptionally talented high school students at the “Songbook Academy in Concert” held at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Representing nineteen states, the young artists arrived in Carmel the week before the finals. Working with professions mentors and music directors in workshops and coaching sessions held throughout the summer intensive as well as in a masterclass in which ten of the students were coached by Songbook founder Michael Feinstein and Broadway star Joshua Henry — the growth the remarkably poised and mature neophytes experienced was clearly evident in the highly entertaining finals concert.
Songbook Academy in Concert. Courtesy of Wayne Photos. Used with permission.
With Feinstein serving as the show’s emcee, the academy “All Stars” were highlighted in solos and small group numbers representing members of five “teams” guided by mentors that included noted professional music directors and vocal coaches. The music directors, all of whom turned in superb performances, were Caelan Cardello, Jeff Harris, Russ Kassoff, Beckie Menzie and Melanie Shore. Accomplished vocal coaches who paired with the pianists included Kanisha Feliciano, Latana Hall, Devan Ilaw, Melvin Brandon Logan and Mary Michael Patterson.
Spotlighted throughout the show were solo performances featuring members of each team chosen by the mentors. They were Emily Chavez, Nat Barker, Ethan Moss, Jane Delahoussaye, Iris Robles, Izzy Casciani and Jackson Manning. All of them are Broadway worthy but three of the singers, consisting of Delahoussaye who belted “When the Sun Comes Out,” Casciani interpreting “I Put a Spell on You, “and Manning who thrilled the crowd when he sang “Unchained Melody,” stood out for their vocals, stage presence and vibrant personalities.
Songbook Academy in Concert. Courtesy of Wayne Photos. Used with permission.
As far as the group numbers, that incorporated themes chosen by the team mentors — my favorites included those featuring Team Russ and Mary in “Rainbow Medley,” and Team Beckie and Melvin in “Home Medley.” Especially effective was the ingenious choreography of Kenny Shepard, which enhanced the performances of each group.
Adding to the luster of the concert were multimedia elements that included beautifully produced behind-the-scenes videos consisting of the students and introduction of the teams through interviews with the mentors. Also contributing to the spectacle was the lighting and sound quality, which was first rate.
Songbook Academy in Concert. Courtesy of Wayne Photos. Used with permission.
Another spectacular addition to the concert was the seven piece band of seasoned musicians, led by Jeff Harris, who performed along with the Songbook Choir, consisting of all forty singers, led by longtime Songbook Academy Creative Consultant Elaine Moebius. They opened the show with an “Entertainment Medley” and accompanied Feinstein in tribute medley of Henry Mancini songs. The choir also closed the show with what has become a poignant concert tradition — You’re Gonna Hear from Me.” The image of all forty elegantly dressed All Stars harmonizing as they showed off their trained voices made for an impressive representation of the Songbook Academy’s mission and brand.
The Great American Songbook and its Songbook Academy continues to grow in stature and reputation, thanks to its marketing efforts such as the live streaming of Songbook Academy public events viewed by a global audiences and participants themselves who spread the word in their own communities. Hopefully its efforts to promote and preserve one of America’s greatest contributions, will grow and flourish will result in unbridled success.
For information about the Songbook Foundation visit thesongbook.org.
