Major Minors Learn from Top Collegiate Programs

Flint Hill School's Major Minors took a tour through New England for workshops with elite secondary and collegiate a cappella groups.

The Major Minors, the school's award-winning a cappella ensemble, visited Berklee College of Music and Harvard University, as well as high schools in Providence, Rhode Island.

At Berklee, in Boston, Major Minors met with the group Pitch Slapped, who appeared on NBC's The Sing-Off last winter and won Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella this year.

"It was an amazing experience for our students, and the Berklee group told us that the workshop was just as inspiring for them," said Dr. Tim Mitchell, Flint Hill’s Director of Fine Arts.

In Providence, the Major Minors reunited with one of its founders, Allie Jones, a former faculty member of Flint Hill School.

"It's often said you learn best by teaching," Mitchell said. "When the Major Minors and a renowned collegiate group teach each other arrangements and critique each other's work, it's amazing how much progress they make. Its the magic of spending time with such gifted students—some of whom are only a few years older or are now in college—who bring passion, discipline, and musical knowledge to their performances—it inspires achievement. That’s why, each year, it’s our workshop tour that makes the Major Minors into such a tight ensemble."

In its 10-year history, the Major Minors have won a spot on the annual “Best of High School A Cappella” album seven times. Their latest album, "Flip the Script," is available on iTunes.

The Major Minors will perform a winter concert in Olson Theater at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. The event is free and open to the public.