By: Siyona Bordia
Newark Academy’s acapella group, LumeNAtion, is toiling away at their music in lieu of their annual ICHSA competition. While this competition takes place in late February, LumeNAtion along with its members, Mr. Lal, and Mr. Bender are getting started as early as possible. In fact, they recently submitted their audition tape, covering the songs “Deja Vu” by Olivia Rodrigo and “Heal Over” by KT Tunstall; senior Yasmeena Sharif is the lead soloist on both songs.
Seniors (‘23) Claire Waskow, Yasmeena Sharif, Evan Bulan, and Yavan Vyas, while not ready to leave, are hoping to make this year their best yet. Recently, LumeNAtion also paired with AV to have a retreat with many different activities, including a scavenger hunt and a sing-off. Through this retreat and other get-togethers, it was clear to see that members of both choral groups were tightly-knit with each other. Everyone grew as people, friends, and singers; junior Isadora Martinez explained that it has “truly been a joyful experience.”
The members are awaiting the results of the audition, but no time is wasted. With an incredibly impressive three song-set and a selection of multi-talented singers, LumeNAtion has many successes ahead of them. Summed up best by Evan Bulan, “It’s surreal because I remember looking up to this group…they inspired me to sing…It’s a bittersweet goodbye but a thankful reminiscence of the memories this group has given me.”
