The Bees Knee's is the premier a Cappella group at Bayonne High School. Here's some more about them!
The group is made up of 14 members in grades 9-12. They are an a Cappella group, which means that when they sing, there's no music in the background. They make the music themselves with only their voices!
The Bee's Knees competed in the International Championship of High School a Cappella (ICHSA) Quarterfinals for the past three years, advancing to the Semifinal Round all 3 years! In 2023 & 2024, The Bee's Knees they took home first place at the Quarterfinal and were named Runner-Up at the 2023 Semifinal. At the 2024 Quarterfinal, Shannon Hayes won the "Outstanding Soloist" Award for her song, Begin Again.
The Bee's Knees, just like every other musical group at BHS, perform at the winter and spring concerts each year. The Bees Knee's also perform at other gigs outside of the high school, especially during Christmas time. This past year, the Bee's Knees sang at at the North Jersey Pride Festival in Maplewood, NJ on June 11th, their first performance request outside of Bayonne!
Let's take a look at the sections needed in an a cappella group!
The Sopranos are the highest voices in the group and they can be split up into two different parts; soprano and mezzo soprano. Many of the female members are a part of this section.
Altos are the counterpuntal part that is higher than the tenors, lower than the sopranos. This is the second highest part and it is typically sung by a low female's or high male's voice.
Tenors are the section that sing under the altos and they are typically the highest male voice in the group, as well as the lowest female voices. Their parts typically have the smallest range, only reaching about two octaves, but they are one of the most sought after voice in the group.
Bass is the lowest part under the tenors and is typically sang by the lowest male voices. Their voice is supposed to make the stage vibrate with its low, resonant, reverberating and rich sound quality.
The beatboxer is the person who adds a beat and "flavor" to the a Cappella group when performing. They mimic the sounds of drum machines, but by using their mouth, lips, tongue and voice.