Why two Somerset County high school seniors are singing 'Let It Be' this week in Erie

ERIE ― Tanner Hunsberger, of Davidsville, and Jack Keiser, of Shanksville, are in Erie this week, learning more about a cappella vocal music from one of the best coaches in the business.

These two Somerset County high school seniors were among 24 students selected from across the state to attend the 2024 All-State Contemporary A Cappella Vocal Ensemble from April 17-20, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA). 

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A cappella is a style of vocal music in which the human voice produces both the melody and the accompaniment, without the use of other instruments.

Directing this group of talented young vocalists is Rob Dietz, an accomplished performer, arranger and composer of contemporary a cappella vocal music for more than 20 years. His work has been seen and heard on a variety of television programs, including Glee and The Sing-Off, and he’s worked with some of the best-known groups in contemporary a cappella music, such as Pentatonix, The Swingles, Voiceplay, Kings Return and more.

The contemporary a cappella ensemble replaced the jazz ensemble at the PMEA All-State Festival this year. Students auditioned for the ensemble by recording themselves singing in their voice part (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) from a pre-selected list of several songs, as well as submitting an a cappella solo from a song of their own choosing.

Hunsberger sang “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers for her audition solo, while Keiser sang “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder.

Once the participants were announced, Dietz sent them eight songs to memorize for the festival, which the group will perform in concert on Friday at the Warner Theatre in Erie. The selections include some well-known pieces like “Moon River” and “Let it Be,” as well as some more recent songs like “What Was I Made For,” performed by Billie Eilish in the Barbie movie.

Hunsberger and Keiser each said they have been working hard to memorize their parts and are ready to learn more from Dietz at the all-state festival.

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Tanner Hunsberger

“I put in quite a few hours, I have two study halls a day and I try to practice then,” Hunsberger said about memorizing her music. “I pick up music easily, it’s just an initial ‘get to know it,’ but then it comes together.”

Hunsberger, 17, will sing alto at the festival. She sang with PMEA’s district and regional choruses for three years and at the all-state jazz ensemble last year.

Hunsberger has led the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Somerset County Fair, at district wrestling meets and at Conemaugh Township sporting events. She’s also performed in the high school’s annual musical for the past six years, most recently as Miss Andrews in the school’s March performance of "Mary Poppins."

“My whole family sings,” Hunsberger said about her introduction to vocal music at an early age. “My grandma and aunts used to (sing together in) an a cappella group. It’s something I’ve always been a part of, something I’ve always enjoyed.”

She said she’s ready to learn more about a cappella music from Dietz and perform in a group with other talented vocalists from across the state.

“I’m just excited to learn more about a cappella music,” Hunsberger said. “To get a chance to sing (in a group) like Pentatonix, it’s exciting to see a whole different side of it.

“For me, music is so peaceful, and I enjoy bringing peace to people (through music). You never know what a song means to them, and it makes me feel very good (to share that with an audience).”

Hunsberger is a daughter of Reuben and Jeri Hunsberger of Davidsville. In addition to school activities, she works as a server at The Fat Squirrel restaurant in Jennerstown and helps on the family farm.

Hunsberger graduates from Conemaugh Township Area High School on May 30, and then she plans to take a year off to work as a nanny as she considers a career in early childhood education.

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Jack Keiser

“I made sure to dedicate a good portion of my free time to review the songs,” Keiser said. “I’ve really enjoyed practicing them. Some were really challenging, but now I’m getting the hang of it. Most of the songs I’ve heard before and enjoyed them, but some I haven’t heard before.”

Keiser is 18 years old and the son of Chris and Vanessa Keiser of Shanksville. He was selected as a tenor for the a cappella ensemble, and he said he is looking forward to learning from Dietz’s experience as a vocal coach and arranger.

“He’s amazing. His arrangements are challenging but really fun to sing. I hope to pick up a few tips and tricks; a cappella is very specific vocal music, and I hope he can give me some insight on how to better perform this genre.”

In addition to performing with the ensemble, Keiser auditioned for and was selected to sing a solo in The Beatles’ classic “Let It Be” at the festival concert on Friday.

He is also an accomplished instrumental musician, having started with piano lessons in second grade and then joining the school’s band and chorus in fourth grade. This is the 18th PMEA music festival Keiser’s attended for chorus or band, and he said it’s a “bittersweet” feeling knowing that this part of his life is coming to a close.

“It’s the end of a long, and very fulfilling, PMEA career for me,” he said. “I want to sincerely thank my teachers, mentors, friends and family for supporting me in my musical career.”

Keiser will continue to learn and perform music after he graduates on May 31 from Shanksville-Stonycreek High School, because he plans to enroll at West Chester University to study music education with a vocal music focus.

“I’ve loved music forever, so it was the most natural choice (for him). I want to share that love for music with other aspiring musicians.

“Music teaches you a lot about yourself. You’re constantly learning, and it can be stressful at times. It teaches you how you (perform) under stressful situations and how you can learn and do better.”

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: CT, Shanksville high school seniors selected for first PMEA All-State A Cappella Ensemble