Special to The Swellesley Report courtesy of the Wellesley High School Bradford and Parents of Performing Students (POPS). This is one in a series of POPS Senior Profiles we’ll be publishing.
“One, two, three, four,” Ethan Liu counts before the lights brighten over the heads of Acapella Anonymous performers, setting the stage for yet another great performance.
As a music leader of Acapella Anonymous (AA), one of the school’s four student-led a capella groups, Liu keeps time during performances. He is also a member of Rice Street Singers, an audition-only jazz ensemble and Subharmonics, a choir made up solely of tenors and basses.
“I really like creating music, especially with other people, and I feel like the chorus is a really good way of doing that,” said Liu.
a charity concert for diabetes. (Courtesy photo)
Liu works with the other music leaders, Jamie Duffy, and the business leader, Samantha Hirschey, to prepare different songs and arrangements for his a cappella group’s various performances such as Acastock and Acatober, as well as carols during the winter season.
“Ethan is the best person to work with ever. Whenever we have to work on an arrangement for [Acapella Anonymous], he is so unbelievably committed to helping out. His generosity makes life much easier, especially when we work together to arrange music,” said Duffy.
Liu has been musically inclined since a young age. Before making the switch from orchestra to chorus in ninth grade, Liu played the cello since elementary school. Liu’s love for music and dedication as a music leader shine through in his arrangements for his a cappella group.
“Ethan’s musicality is unbelievable,” said Duffy. “His arrangements for AA are incredibly creative, and what he brings to the table in AA is brilliant, especially how vocally talented he is.”
Liu takes it upon himself to support his fellow musicians in other ways, too.
“Beyond his musical contributions, he shines through with his inclusive attitude,” said Maximilian Chen, a member of Acapella Anonymous. “Ethan is great at making everyone feel valued and listening to everyone’s opinions. His ability to lead without dominating creates a fun and collaborative environment, especially during a cappella which keeps the stress low while still having productive rehearsals.”
While Liu provides significant contributions to his a cappella group, he is also supported off stage, either through alleviating some of his duties as music leader or simply providing moral support.
“Everyone in the choir is really enthusiastic and energetic. I’m not exactly that type of person, so being around them helps bring my energy up and helps me create a better sound for my voice,” said Liu.
Outside of the sense of community that a cappella provides, the opportunity to make music as well as the ability to share love for the arts with younger students are also integral aspects of the performing arts society. Now, Liu is trying to pass that torch to future generations of Acapella Anonymous members as past music leaders once did for him.
“As an underclassman, you receive the guidance of the older leaders and get to experience the choir at a really high quality for the first time,” Liu said. “Once you become a leader, you get to do the same. It’s a cycle.”
Liu is an accomplished musician outside of school groups as well. He has received honors such as being a part of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Eastern Division Honors Choir as well as MMEA All-State. Moreover, Liu has been recognized as one of the best high school singers in the twelve eastern states as a member of the National Association for Music Education’s (NAfME) choir.
“It is exceptionally rare to receive this recognition. However, it is well-deserved and accurate,” said Dr. Kevin McDonald, director of choral music at the high school. “Ethan is one of the hardest workers and most developed musicians in our program with the highest degree of humility.”
Liu also uses music to continue to make a positive impact on others in his community. As one of the lead singers on the worship team at his church, Liu performs for the congregation and helps lead people in song on Fridays and Sundays. He is also a member of Continuo, a student-run music organization that puts on performances at community centers.
As for the future, Liu wishes to continue singing and performing either in another a capella group or choir while in college.
“I’ve been able to see and hear a lot of collegiate a cappella groups in ICCA, the International Collegiate Competition for Acapella, and some other events. It’s really eye-opening to see how much more that they can do compared to a high school group,” said Liu.
Liu has managed to have a tremendous effect on those in the performing arts community, not only as a music leader but as a person.
“In addition to his amazing versatility as a singer, he is also an amazing human being who cares for others and wants to help others be the best they can be. Having the right skill set and the right attitude towards music making allows him to have a great impact,” said McDonald.
Article written by WHS Bradford Features Editor Josie Song.
