By Miriam McPhail

News Editor

    At the beginning of this school year, R.J. Reynolds High School’s a cappella program welcomed its new director, Landon Bratt. For the past nine years, Bratt had taught choir and a cappella at Hanes Magnet Middle School. Last year, as district budget cuts threatened to reduce the choral program, several Hanes students spoke in its defense during school board meetings, but in the end Bratt’s position was reduced to part-time. Stepping into the open position at RJR seemed like the next best move for Bratt, though not without its challenges.

    “This a cappella [group] is way more advanced,” Bratt said. “It is several times larger than what I was dealing with. My a cappella group [at Hanes] was after school; we met once a week, and I taught them every note. Here, there are 3 separate groups, each with their own leaders. All the leaders are in charge of their own music. They do the arrangements. Honestly, it feels like a step back, because I’m not doing as much hands-on work, but it’s also a step forward and up.”

    Between strong student leadership, hosting the annual A Cappella Jam for Hope, and housing ties to Pitch Perfect producer Deke Sharon, a cappella at RJR has built a distinct legacy since its creation in 2002. As the fourth teacher in the program, Bratt knows he has big shoes to fill.

    “Coming in as a new teacher where a program’s already big and established is always really challenging because everyone is just constantly comparing,” Bratt said. “I constantly worry that I’m not as good and that they’re not going to respond well to the way that I do things. So I’ve really had to work closely with Mr. Settlemyre over the last two or so months to make sure that what I’m doing aligns with the way he did things.”

    Fortunately, sharing his classroom with several former students from Hanes has helped ease the transition. Many of these students he taught continued taking a cappella at RJR and now hold leadership positions, bearing testimony to the knowledge and passion for music he instilled in them. 

    “But then I’ve got those kids who I know,” Bratt said. “…I’ve had several of these kids, as well as a couple of powerhouse singers all in one group. And in their eighth grade year, they were so good. Now they’re here again, and I get another opportunity.”

    One such familiar face is Zoe Stover, who was a member of Bratt’s a cappella group in middle school before coming to RJR and learning how to arrange music of her own. She has played cello since elementary school but says her time with Bratt helped her apply existing musical knowledge to vocal performance. Now in her second year as an ensemble leader, Stover has been looking forward to their reunion.

    “Mr. Bratt was who really got me into not just a cappella, but also choir,” Stover said. “He’s taught me a lot of things about musicianship in general, like how to be in rehearsals and work with other musicians. He’s the type of person that could get along with anyone and is really easy to carry a conversation with.” 

    Bratt made an effort to get to know all of his students before the school year began at the annual A Cappella Retreat. After a weekend of rehearsals, games, and a talent show, he accomplished his goal of knowing everyone’s name by the third day.

    “Relationships are the biggest key to having a successful role,” Bratt said. “Relationships between members are obviously important to have a cohesive group, but also me having an individual relationship with each student. It’s not like I’m not dapping everybody up, but I want to know what they’re about, know who they are, and know what their drive is.” 

    Whether he is forming bonds with new students or reuniting with old ones, Bratt brings a positive and infectious energy to RJR A Cappella. Describing him as “approachable” and “understanding,” Stover reflects on one of her favorite memories from middle school. 

    “I was in his seventh grade advanced choir class, and we went to [Music Performance Assessment],” Stover said. “We didn’t go to get a Superior. We were just there because we wanted feedback, but we knew it would be cool if it were to happen, and it was. It was his first superior ever, so it was really magical. I just remember him being so proud.” 

    This year, Bratt aims for this group to receive another Superior rating at MPA, preparing with new songs and music theory lessons. But, most of all, he says he is just “excited to make music with this crowd.” Regardless of whether students have known Bratt for years or for a month, it is clear to them there is no better fit for the role than Landon Bratt.