After competing in national finals, Dobbs 16 will head to Glasgow in the summer

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Neha Garg, Contributing Writer

After competing against 200 groups in a nationwide tournament, Dobbs 16 made it to the top 10 and competed in the Varsity Vocals International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA) at Townhall in New York City on April 29.

Dobbs 16 left Masters early that Friday morning and spent the entire day bouncing back and forth from their hotel to Town Hall for sound checks and practices. Just like the two previous performances, their set consisted of three songs, The High Road, with soloist Hannah Weiss, Hanging On, with soloist Amanda Taylor and arranger Adam Leung, and Princess of China, with soloists Adam Leung and Sarah Scheuer. Emma Rubinson choreographed all three performances. Although Dobbs 16 did not place in the top three in the finals, the group members enjoyed the opportunity to compete at such a high level.

“It was a really unique experience, similar to the quarter and semifinals, but different in many ways. It was very humbling to be performing with nine other extremely talented groups from around the country,” said Dobbs 16 member Charlotte Peterson. “Getting to perform at Town Hall was also really cool since it’s such a beautiful theater and so close to Broadway. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and something I’ll always look back on as one of the highlights of my high school experience and times in Dobbs 16.”

August DuBeau, another member of Dobbs 16, said, “Overall it really just felt like a bonding experience for all of us. My favorite part of yesterday was probably not the competition itself, but rehearsing and hanging out with the rest of the group before.”

The performance was truly spectacular as all the members gave all they had on stage and had a great time. In a statement to the Masters Community, Jennifer Carnevale, the musical director of Dobbs 16, expressed her pride in the group’s achievement and professionalism.

“Our Dobbs 16 proved that they earned their place on last night’s program with an exceptional performance. Moreover, they conducted themselves with professionalism, poise, and sportsmanship. Over a grueling 15-hour day, they lifted each other up, pushed each other to be better, and took care of each other. During the performance they cheered on and encouraged, congratulated and high-fived their competitors,” Carnevale said.

She added, “So, although they did not place, I could not be prouder of them nor more pleased.”

On the heels of such a successful season, Dobbs 16, along with Tower Singers, were invited to perform at the International Society for Music Education Conference in Glasgow, Scotland this summer. A parent group has organized a benefit concert with a silent auction on May 15th to raise money to support the trip.