From her first private singing lesson in fourth grade to the 2025 Winter Concert, senior Bryce Collis has always felt a connection to music. Collis most recently participated in the Winter Concert, but has been heavily involved other Archer art productions, such as Night of Dance and upper school musicals.
To get accepted into a cappella, all applicants go through an audition process. The a cappella group differs from the choir, as the program performs different songs and has a separate rehearsal schedule. All arts at Archer — including the high school orchestra, the Metro-Gnomes, the Middle C’s, choir and the Unaccompanied Minors — perform at the end of each semester during the Winter Concert and Spring Concert.
The Oracle sat down with Collis to discuss her experience in the Winter Concert, as well as her singing journey.
How did you get involved in choir and a cappella, and what drew you into it?
Bryce Collis [BC]: I got involved in sixth grade with a different teacher than we have now. I had three different choir teachers over the years, but the first one was great. I enjoyed choir and a cappella in middle school, but it didn’t work out with my schedule, so I quit. I wasn’t in the choir for about a year, then joined again in seventh grade with a new teacher, Ms. O’Connor. I’ve been doing it ever since, even through COVID. I just love singing with a group.
Did you sing before you joined Archer’s choir/a cappella program?
[BC]: I’ve been singing for a long time. I’ve always loved it, but I wasn’t always the best singer. I couldn’t always carry a tune. It took me a while to learn how to support my voice and sound how I wanted. I started private singing lessons in fourth grade to audition for my school’s musical, “Beauty and the Beast“. I’ve been doing lessons on and off ever since with three different teachers. I’m grateful for all the advice and tools I’ve gained from those lessons.
How would you say your musical style, skills, and/or relationship to music has evolved since your first concert at Archer?
[BC]: I used to want to sound perfect, but now I’m okay with sounding a little imperfect. Once you’re confident in your voice, you can start experimenting with different sounds, even if they’re not necessarily “pretty.” It’s interesting, especially with the genres we sing in a cappella, like indie, pop or folk music. They can push you outside the box, especially if you’re a soloist. If you’re not a soloist, though, you have to stay in line. I’ve also learned how to blend in with the group. Early on, I’d give 100%, but that showed my individuality too much. Now, I dial it back to about 75%, so the group’s cohesiveness shines through.
Can you discuss the behind-the-scenes preparation leading up to a concert?
[BC]: Throughout the year, we have rehearsals every Tuesday after school and during first-period FLX for choir. Then, we rehearse during the fourth and fifth-period FLX for a cappella. We practice the songs, do vocal warm-ups to keep our voices healthy and continue practicing up until the concert date. On the day of the concert, we warm up together, and we have some fun traditions. A cappella has its special ritual, and we usually feel ready and prepared by the time the concert starts.
Do you have any traditions to connect with your peers?
[BC]: We have some secret traditions. The a cappella group has its own, but one tradition that’s not a secret is the Burns Medley. We sing through various songs that have the same chord progression. It’s been a tradition even before I came to Archer, and it’s so much fun. It’s cute to see the middle schoolers do it for the first time, dancing around and enjoying it.
What is a specific moment that stands out from your years in the program?
[BC]: There are so many great moments, but one that stands out recently was when we were rehearsing the song “Linger” for a concert. We were told to bring a lot of energy, and as we did; it became a bit like a dance circle. People started jumping around and dancing in the middle of the circle, and it was just so much fun. It reminded me of how unifying and enjoyable a cappella and choir can be. Even though it can sometimes feel like hard work, moments like that are why I still do it and why I love it.
If a younger student was considering joining the choir or a cappella group, what advice would you give them?
[BC]: I’d say rely on your older peers if you have questions. That’s what I did when I was a freshman. If you can’t read music or feel lost, just ask someone. People are so willing to help. They want you to sing and understand what you’re doing. It’s much better to ask for help than to struggle on your own. The seniors and juniors are great resources, and I have a lot of faith in them to guide the younger students.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for music and performing after graduation?
[BC]: I want to study musical theater in college, so music is going to be a part of my future. I’ll continue singing in groups and as a soloist in various situations. If I have the time, I’d love to join an a cappella group in college, but we’ll see. I plan to major in musical theater, which means I want to pursue that as a career. I’m definitely going to keep singing for the rest of my life.
