The Enharmonix is a new vocal jazz and show tunes ensemble that has been active in the York community since Fall 2014. The current executive board consists of Javvieaus Stewart (President), Reva Thompson (Secretary), Chantel Vereen (Treasurer), ShaiQuana Bailey (Parliamentarian), Imara Miles (Music Director), Joseph Banks (Assistant Music Director), and Roth Preap (Pianist). The group consists of 17 members total (4 sopranos, 5 altos, 3 tenors, 4 basses and a pianist), with the executive board included. This organization was formed to explore the foundations of jazz and show tunes from the early makings to modern day, introduce and educate students to jazz harmonies, and portray to the students at YCP the greatness that can come from various musical standpoints.
The talented group of young singers have rehearsals twice a week- Monday and Wednesday nights from 9:30-11:30pm. They began rehearsing in early February and since then, as well as in the previous semester, have had successful fundraisers (candy count, Chick-fil-A, Lyndon Diner, etc.) and performing opportunities (Chamber Voices Concert, A Walk Down Broadway, singing at nursing homes, etc). Although the Enharmonix is the “new kid on the block”, the group is destined for greatness for the future and they thank all of their supporters and contributors.
The Enharmonix hosted a concert on Sunday, April 12th at 7pm in DeMeester where there emcee was student, Derek Smith. The ensemble collaborated with the Improv Troupe and a few art majors to make this Night of the Arts a night of remembrance and success.
Both executive board and general members were interviewed to talk about their experience singing with the group and the concert: The organization’s President and Soprano, Javvieaus Stewart; Music Director and Alto, Imara Miles; Treasurer and Alto, Chantel Vereen; Parliamentarian and Alto, ShaiQuana Bailey; Pianist, Roth Preap; and three general members, Mark Deardorff, Bass; Sarah Sindelar, Alto; and Elizabeth Wiley, Soprano. Here is what they had to say…
(President, Javvieaus Stewart):
“Working with the Enharmonix and being one of the founding members has been quite the positive experience. I love this group with every ounce of my being and can only imagine what the future holds for them after I graduate. I am pleased with our concert: the attendance, how smooth the transitions were, the whole nine yards. This group is one of the things that I always look forward to at the end of my Mondays and Wednesdays especially in times of stress and I really miss it after the semester comes to a close.”
(Music Director, Imara Miles):
“It was long, hard, and funny but it made me happy.”
(Treasurer, Chantel Vereen):
“Every time I go to rehearsal, there is not a doubt in my mind that we are going to do something amazing that night. It’s a great experience with the people that I love the most- I love them so much and they don’t even know. No matter how tough it may get, how many dramatic moments we will have, we always come back to the music and it was always be something great. I hope we go very far and stays true to the end. I love them so much.”
(Parliamentarian, ShaiQuana Bailey):
“I had a lovely experience and time performing with the Enharmonix. Not only are we a performing group, but we became a family and a friendship so I love that we have that type of atmosphere on the York College campus.”
(Pianist, Roth Preap):
“It is an amazing group. The most fun I have ever had in a group and probably something I want to be in for a very long time. The YCP Enharmonix is a group that has amazing diversity and amazing people in it.”
(General member, Mark Deardorff):
“I joined YCP Enharmonix because I wanted to make real music. Singing the songs is only a small portion of what this group is all about. It is about developing bonds with the other members of your group and having fun. Enharmonix is all a big family. It was evident the moment I stepped into my first rehearsal with the group. Everyone was so happy to see me and ready to make me feel right at home. I was not expecting that. I think this group has qualities that show great potential for the future and I want to be a part of that future.”
(General member, Sarah Sindelar)
“I’m so glad to be a part of Enharmonix. It is such a great group of people and the style of music is a great combination of giving tribute to the past and looking forward with more contemporary pieces. We have really grown this semester both as an organization and as musicians. I can’t wait to see what we have in store for next year!”
(General member, Elizabeth Wiley)
This group makes schoolwork, tennis, and a job all bearable, because after a long day of stress, I know that I’ll get to go practice and sing (my one true passion above all else) with some of the greatest people I’ll ever know. “