High School A Cappella Group Travels to Illinois to Defend Title

Port Washington High School's a cappella group and national champions Limited Editon will compete against 11 other ensembles on Saturday to defend their regional title.

The competition held in DeKalb, IL, will bring vocal groups from Tennessee, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin to vie for the regional title and the chance to perform at the Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts in New York City to win the national championship. 

Last year, the local choir took the title in the regional match before receiving the highest honor for high school a cappella groups at the national level.

Director and Port Washington High School teacher Dennis Gephart developed the concept for Limited Edition nine years ago.  He explained that the group is for the most serious of music students.

"It’s for students that are pursuing music as a career," he said.

Those who wish to participate in Limited Edition must be enrolled in the high school’s concert choir class before they can even audition for one of the 16 spots — spots which are rotated so that each academic year there is an entirely new collection of students, hence the name Limited Edition.  

And positions in the ensemble are highly sought.

"Last year 72 people auditioned for the 16 spots," Gephart said.

In his class, students spend a semester focusing on traditional madrigal singing before switching gears to vocal jazz and contemporary music in the spring.  

The contemporary style is the focus of the regional and national competitions Limited Edition participates in, however Gephart said, "competition is not the primary goal."

Rather, he and his class look at such opportunities as a chance to watch and share in a musical experience.

With the popularity of shows such as "Glee" and "The Sing-Off," Limited edition is more visible than ever, according to Gephart.  While the ensemble always had a dedicated local following, the recent a cappella craze has brought the group some attention. 

Last year, Limited Edition appeared on the Fox 6 network and served as the opening act for two groups from "The Sing-Off."  

However, Gephart stressed that fun, not national titles and appearances, is the focus for Limited Edition. 

"It’s a fun thing, more like a festival," Gephart said of the upcoming competition. "I don’t care if we get last or first place as long as they’re enjoying it."