High marks for harmonious work

Graftonics, Grafton High School’s a cappella ensemble, has again earned a spot in the semifinals of the Varsity Vocals International Championship of High School A Cappella Great Lakes quarterfinals Sunday, Jan. 26, in Vernon Hills, Ill.

It was the team’s second runner-up finish in as many years.

“The kids had a taste of success last year, and that motivated them to want to do well,” said Maggie Condon, the school’s vocal music director. “We always focus on giving our best performance and leaving the stage feeling good regardless of the result. That’s what matters most.” 

In addition to the team honor, junior McKenna Craun was named outstanding soloist for the second consecutive year for her rendition of “Heart of Stone.”

Graftonics earned 385 points in the competition, trailing only Off the Record, an ensemble from Lockport Township High School in Illinois.   

Besides their musical performance, the groups were judged on creativity, professionalism, visual cohesiveness, energy, stage presence and effectiveness of presentation.  

Graftonics will compete in the semifinal round on March 21 at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. The team will use the same set list it performed in the quarterfinal — “Devil’s Backbone” by the Civil Wars, “Fire” by Sara Bareilles, “Heart of Stone” from the musical “Six” and “Only the Lonely Survive” by Marianas Trench. 

The first-place team in the semifinals will advance to the national competition at the end of April in New York City.

“I think the kids are gunning for a trip to New York for nationals, but we’ll just have to see what happens,” Condon said.