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Harvard Callbacks A Cappella Group to Perform at Staten Island Academy

Visit is part of annual New York City tour

November 2, 2006 – A renowned a cappella group from Harvard University, the Harvard Callbacks, will be performing for Staten Island Academy students in the school’s Haugen Hall Auditorium on Thursday, November 9. The first performance, at 1:05 PM, will be for Upper School students. The second, at 1:50 PM, is for Middle School students.

“The visit from the Harvard Callbacks complements the Academy’s rich tradition of performing arts, which reaches back to the school’s early days,” said Mark Weissman, chair of the arts department. “We are proud that this tradition continues to this today; our music offerings include choral groups, orchestras and private music instruction.”

There are a host of music ensembles to choose from at the Academy; there is a place for everyone who desires to sing or play a musical instrument regardless of level of experience. The Academy’s goal is to develop each student's unique talents and foster self-confidence. Offerings include a concert choir, a four-part vocal ensemble that meets twice a week during the school day and perform works ranging from classical to popular in two major concerts and other performances during the year. Something Musical is aboys’ ensemble that meets weekly and performs more popular song literature. The ensemble sings in the annual Holiday and Spring concerts and at various school functions and has performed the Star Spangled Banner at Shea Stadium for the NY Mets. Sweet Harmony is the equivalent girls’ ensemble. The orchestra meets three times a week, and students perform in two major concerts and at various other performances throughout the year.

Conceived in the fall of 1986 by Harvard undergraduates Craig Hickman and Morgan Inniss, the Callbacks originated as a mixed a cappella group aiming to diversify the spectrum of artistic performance at the college. In its earliest days, the group's participation in the campus music scene was restricted to opening for other performers. Soon, however, the group developed a musical presence of its own, performing at paying venues, at other colleges and at charity concerts. A recording career followed shortly afterwards.

As years have gone by, the Callbacks have become more and more established in the a cappella community. The group continues to garner national awards for its live performances; its arrangements (all written by Callbacks); as well as its studio recordings. Annual trips have been initiated, including spring break and fall New York tours. The Callbacks visit to the Academy is part of the New York tour.

Staten Island Academy, located on a lush 12-acre campus, is a college-preparatory day school with an average class size of 17. The Academy is composed of seven buildings, including a gymnasium and fitness center, theater and state-of-the-art computer facilities. Outdoors are two swimming pools, athletic fields, a playground and tennis courts. For more information about Staten Island Academy and its outstanding programs, visit www.statenislandacademy.org.

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Press Contact: Liz Campbell, 718-303-7813, communication@statenislandacademy.org