RJR Pine Whispers

Golden Year: RJR A Cappella set to release new album

Noora Hosseinzadeh
Staff Writer

From A Cappella Jam to the winter concert, R.J. Reynolds A Cappella has been hitting all the right notes. From singing the national anthem at events to the multiple concerts held throughout the year, A cappella makes a positive impact on the RJR community. With each performance, the group is building up anticipation for their latest project, an album. 

Junior Aubrey McCarthy recording her lines for Gold Linings. Photo provided by Nina Howards.

“Our album is called Gold Linings,” Nina Howards, the Business Manager of RJR A Cappella, said. “It’s based on the saying ‘we have our silver linings’ and the idea that there is always a sign of hope in gloomy situations. We were initially going to do a competition, but it fell through, so our silver lining was that we got to record an album instead. But we’re calling it ‘Gold Linings’ because Reynolds is, well, ‘gold.’”

Although prompted by a setback, the album has turned into a golden opportunity for the group of vocalists. With all the love and labor that they have put into the album, it is guaranteed to be a hit. 

“My favorite part of recording the album was seeing it all come together,” Howards said. “We were on a tight schedule, but we worked quickly and got it done. Seeing the album come together was really rewarding in the end.”

RJR A Cappella is home to many talented singers, five of which filled up the seven spots available for the North Carolina Honors Chorus in the Forsyth County district.

RJR A Cappella performing at A Cappella Jam. Photo provided by R.J. Reynolds PTSA.

“You’re basically pulled from the best singers in the state to be a part of a giant chorus,” Lilly Greene, a senior Honors Chorus member, said. “I’m really excited for it, but it’s really intense. You have to learn all your music before you even get there, so if you mess up, they pull you out to sing alone in front of everyone.”

Making Honors Chorus is a huge milestone for the dedicated singers in A Cappella. Most of them have been making music since they were young. 

“I’ve been singing since I was like five,” Greene said. “I did church choir for a long time and chorus in middle school. So, making Honors Chorus is a very full-circle moment for me. I’m glad I auditioned for it this year. It really is a great opportunity.”    With the album soon to be released, there is no doubt that A Cappella is proving to be having one of its most successful years yet. Be sure to tune in to Gold Linings when it releases on December 10th and continue to support the vibrant arts community at RJR.