“Symptom of Life,” a jazz-rock song by Willow, and “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” a jazz standard by Donny Hathaway, are just two examples of songs Pinewood’s a cappella group Take Note is working on this year. The 2025-26 school year has been an adventure for Take Note, welcoming new members and genres of music.
As an a cappella group, it’s easy to stick to simple, almost monotonous sounding arrangements of pop songs. But over the past three years, Take Note has experimented with the more complex harmonies and rhythms found in jazz music.
The group’s focus on jazz underwent several challenges in transitioning to the 2025-26 school year: four students left, and three students joined, so the overall dynamic of the group shifted.
“We’re trying to restore what we [originally] had,” junior Ellis Matula said. “Now that the people that were good at that left, we have to build up to speed.”
Yet, the singers have been able to work together to adapt to the unfamiliar dynamic.
“[What surprised me was] how fast we move into our songs,” sophomore Lola Hannelly, who is new to the group this year, said. “So, I thought it would be scary for me because I thought I wouldn’t be able to blend with them. But [Katie] Linza and the others have really helped me become more confident in my singing, [so] it’s actually become really fun.”
Take Note chooses complex music not only for the joy of the music itself but also for the opportunity to create their own identity. Director Katie Linza and Matula agree that their ability to arrange, use advanced techniques, and create a distinct, united voice sets them apart and gives them a sophisticated sound.
February holds many opportunities for Take Note to perform what they’ve been learning. They will compete in the International Championship of High School A Cappella, record their annual EP, and perform on a Pinewood Performing Arts trip to Iceland.
During these events, many Take Note members, especially the new ones, will have a chance to be in the spotlight.
For example, junior Zachary Gill, who joined this year, will be the lead singer for their arrangement of “Somebody To Love” by Queen, and Hannelly will solo on their cover of “In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning,” a jazz classic.
“I think it suits my singing style, and it’s really beautiful,” Hannelly said. “The beginning part is a little hard for me, so I’m working on that. But it’s really fun, and I love singing with everyone.”
