By Laura Chavez

The “Acafellaz” are an all-male a cappella singing group made up of students from Tuscarora. The group members are Andre Schense (junior), James Smith (sophomore), Eli Michel (senior), Zac Hamade (senior), Freddy Sane-Aka (junior), Jonathan Mannarano (junior), and Danny Luu (senior). The Acafellaz meet every FLEX near the music hallway in order to rehearse and practice different songs.

On December 13, the Acafellaz participated in a singing competition in Reston called “Bring It.” For the event, the team prepared a song called “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Although the team did not win the competition, they placed 2nd and continue to rehearse in order to improve their skills and work towards future competitions.

“Being a part of the Acafellaz brings a special type of brotherhood to the school,” shared member Mannarano.

“We all share a bond; it’s like a small sports team of singers,” Sane-Aka added. Sane-Aka shared his personal views on the group, believing that “with hard work and practice, I think we can all reach our fullest potential.”

The group also has a growing fanbase at Tuscarora, as many students stop to listen to the Acafellaz while they rehearse. Junior Connor Gavan sees “the Acafellaz [as] really unique [because] there’s nothing else like it at our school.”

The ‘fellaz enjoy making their own individual music, but they mainly focus their talents on singing together. With graduation near, remaining group members are preparing to host auditions to replace current seniors. Although exact auditions dates have not been set yet, expect to see announcements for auditions in September 2014.