by Miller Woodall, Class of 2023
In the Upper School, clubs and extracurricular activities are an important aspect of Mount Vernon’s student life. Vernon Vocals, an a capella singing club created by Emmy Schaffer (Class of 2017) and Matthew Neylon in 2015, has been brought back this year by student leads, Miller Woodall and Grace Gilmour. Emmy started a tradition that is expected to continue for many years. This being the sixth year of Vernon Vocals, they want to make it the greatest yet!
Right now, this group is working on several songs, including the Star-Spangled Banner, which they will perform on December 5th at the Atlanta Hawks game. Get your tickets to the game here [https://atlantahawks.spinzo.com/hawks-vs-hornets-2021-12-05-HHMGN?group=mount-vernon-school-3tmj! They are also hard at work preparing for the Christmas Arts Showcase, working on songs ranging from White Winter Hymnal to I Want To Stare At My Phone With You. Teacher leaders, Kathy Kelley-George and Matthew Neylon work hard to find arrangements for the songs and help the group learn their parts. With eight sturdy members, it is perfect for learning complex soprano, alto, and bass harmonies. Current members include Piper Hendryx, Lyndsey Franklin, Grace Gilmour, William Nix, Kat Petty, Addison Vogt, Elizabeth Weymouth, and Miller Woodall.
Vernon Vocals meets weekly on Thursdays at 7:30 AM in the Upper School Band room and is recruiting new members. Since many students have after-school activities, this time accommodates the schedule while still promoting stability and a strict practice schedule. And, of course, donuts are provided! Being a school that is willing to expand in their arts as it does in sports, we are very excited to have this opportunity for students to come and cultivate relationships while also learning how to be part of a choir. Kathy Kelley-George and Mr. Matthew Neylon love what they do and strive to make Vernon Vocals the best that it can be!