Algoncapella is more than just an a cappella group: it is a student-run community built on honesty, collaboration and shared responsibility, where members rely on each other both on and off the stage.
Founded more than 10 years ago, Algoncapella runs entirely without adult leadership. Originally started by students, the group has remained entirely student-run. Traditions and knowledge are passed down from one group of student leaders to the next, keeping the group consistent even as members change each year.
Current leaders senior Tylia Moran and junior Ben Dane enjoy not just performing but also the process of collaborating together to make a song come to life.
“It’s all student-run, which means we’re running all of the rehearsals but also rearranging the music,” Dane said. “We have to decide as a group what songs we’re going to sing, and then Tylia [and I] will listen to the song and pick out the harmonies.”
According to Moran, this level of responsibility creates a more collaborative dynamic than a typical music group, where usually a teacher would lead rehearsals and make decisions. Instead, students must rely on each other to stay organized and focused.
“[This] makes it more of a community since we all have to work together instead of a teacher leading us,” Moran said.
From school concerts and Pops Night to the annual Myron A. Wick Jr. Choral Music festival, an event where a cappella groups from across Massachusetts come together, Algoncapella performs throughout the year, continuing to strengthen its presence both within the school community and outside of it.
“We’re starting to perform at more events,” Moran said. “We’re starting to become a little bit known.”
While the group often performs new songs for each event, some recent favorites include “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” by Role Model and “The Subway” by Chappell Roan, giving audiences a variety of songs. Despite the polished performances audiences see, much of the effort behind the songs go unnoticed.
“If people see us, they really only see us performing,” Moran said. “But they don’t see the hours that go into arranging the pieces, picking the songs, practicing them and learning them.”
The group meets twice a week, and rehearsals depend on structure and communication between members, with leaders guiding the process and members actively participating in improving the group as a whole.
“[At meetings we] split into sectionals where each voice part can work on their own part,” Dane said. “Then we come back together and sing.”
A key part of rehearsals is providing each other support and feedback, allowing members to improve both individually and as a group.
“Since we’re such a close group, we can really tell if the person next to us is struggling,” Dane said. “We’re really able to tell each other what we’re doing wrong and what we’re doing right.”
According to Dane, this openness and feedback are a key part of what makes the group function well.
“We’re really honest with each other,” Dane said. “I think that’s how we help each other be better.”
The sense of collaboration also extends beyond rehearsals, as members spend time outside of school, strengthening their relationships and connecting with each other.
“It isn’t just an after-school club, it’s kind of like a community because we don’t just rehearse in school,” Dane said. “We sometimes have outside of school hangouts where we play games and get to know each other while also practicing our music.”
New members are introduced to this environment through auditions at the beginning of each school year, where leaders look not only for standout voices but also for students who will contribute positively to the group’s collaborative dynamic.
“We think the most important part is the chemistry between the group because then we can have fun on stage and be comfortable with each other,” Dane said.
Leaders prioritize both skill and group chemistry, and as the group has grown together, it has also gained more recognition through performances.
Looking ahead, Algoncapella has upcoming performances including the Tri-M open mic and Pops Night, as they continue to expand their presence and share their music with a wider audience.
