Ansley Rubinstein '06

This year the Mellow-Ds are singing a slightly different tune due to the decrease in the number of singers.

Whereas last year this boys a capella group contained fourteen singers, this year it has only ten. Although there was a large turn-out for auditions, only two new members were accepted, William Piekos '07 and Michael Yoon '07.

They have joined the ranks of the eight returning singers, led this year by Paul Alvarez '06 and William Mcllvaine '06 and under the guidance of Director of Music Orlando Pandolfi.

Of the two new members, Alvarez said, "Both are very strong singers and impressed us during their auditions. Also, the acceptance of only two members made sense because they are upperclassmen, and now we have more flexibility scheduling rehearsals."

While the overall interest in the group remains high, some of the senior members dropped out, and some chose not to return because of the time commitment. However, another reason for the decrease in members was simply scheduling conflicts.

To participate in the Mellow-Ds, the singers also have to take Chorus. However, while this does create some inconvenience, in the end, the group benefits from the additional opportunity to sing.

In addition, the musical skill of the singers has skyrocketed due to the musical training and study of musical theory in the class. Alvarez commented, "This knowledge of how the music works allows the group not only to be singers but also musicians. Learning new songs is easier and faster because we understand the musical theory, and not just because we heard it played on the piano."

The smaller group also works better logistically; it's much easier to arrange and control a rehearsal with only ten people. Each member's voice can be heard more clearly in every song, which facilitates attention to picky details.

Mcllvaine said, "The smaller number allows for more intensive work on parts, and this year in particular it adds a nice sound and tone quality to our songs."

However, this also means that no member can avoid doing his share and expect the other voices to carry his. Also, because of the smaller size of the group, the singers struggle to sing as forcefully as in years past.

As is tradition, the Mellow-Ds sing "Happy Birthday" at times in the dining hall. In the past, the large group of singers could be heard easily, and the entire room would go silent This year, however, more than half of the dining hall did not even realize the group was singing in their last Happy Birthday song. The Mellow-Ds were not fazed in the least.

Alvarez explained, "The point of us singing 'Happy Birthday' is not so that everyone in the room listens to how wonderfully the Mellow-Ds sing. It's our way of recognizing an individual on his or her birthday, and it's really a moment between the Mellow-Ds and that person."

Mr. Morsman, who was a cheerleader as a student in the 1950s, loves cheers, spirit, sportsmanship, and rallies. In response to Mr. Widmer's planned revival of the Locomotive Cheer, he laughed. "It is a simple cheer to learn, and impressive to see and hear," Mr. Morsman said.

The group has some new visions for this year, which might include a trip to Disney World and a CD in the spring. It is clear that the Mellow-Ds are changing over the years, as they always have. While the size of the group this year has turned down its volume, all the students appreciate and acknowledge the attitude the singers have taken to stepping up the intensity of the Mellow-Ds.

As published in the November 9, 2005 issue of the Deerfield Scroll, the monthly newspaper of Deerfield Academy.