Wootton High School’s acapella group, The Acatonics, won first place overall, along with best soloist and vocal percussionist, at SingStrong New York– an acappella competition that took place From February 2-4.
Senior Ashley Chan won the award for best soloist and senior Shravan Kannepalli won best Vocal Percussionist/Beatboxer. The group sang “Best Days” by Alessia Cara and “Expensive” by Tori Kelly. Both songs were arranged by Gabriel Greenwood. This is their second time winning the SingStrong Competition, winning previously in February 2020.
Members of the group have told us they are the only nationally competing acapella group in the county and even performed at a recent Board of Education/ MCPS meeting last Thursday. Student Captains for the group include Gurnoor Sodhi (senior), Naysa Mustafa (junior), Jake Silverman (senior), and John Yi (senior). The Acatonics are directed by Mr. Keith Schwartz, who we are told receives a lot of support by the school administration and principal Mr. Douglas Nelson.
“The Acatonics are the premier all-gender acappella group from Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, MD. The group consists of vocalists from a range of backgrounds who all share a common passion for music. The Acatonics have been fortunate enough to attend and place at ICHSA Quarterfinal Rounds and win the High School Competition at SingStrong New York. Aside from competitions, The Acatonics perform at many events around their school community, the Montgomery County community, and the greater Washington DC area. In addition to performing together, the Acatonics love being around each other and take any chance to celebrate the community this group gives them at school.”
Information and photo courtesy of @gkaurphotos