Rocknroll Chorus Features the Power of the Human Voice

The phrase “Rock and Roll” evokes certain images in one’s mind. Electric and bass guitars. Keyboards. Sprawling drum sets.

But sometimes, the most effective instrument for rock or any musical style is the one with which we all come equipped: the human voice.

Joe Cantaffa knows this better than anyone. It’s why he founded the Rocknroll Chorus.

“The project started because there were kids around the state who wanted to sing music that wasn't readily available in their schools,” said Cantaffa, who met most of these children while working as a musician with various school choirs. “They wanted to learn about the business of entertainment and recording. The idea actually came from various kids whom I encountered working with various honors choirs, who knew me and knew some of my arrangements.

“The request was casual in the beginning but after awhile it became real. Then one student in particular asked in such a way that it was silly to not put it together, so I did.”

The group is just what its name implies; an a cappella choir that performs such rock staples as “Born to Run,” “Living on a Prayer,” “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” and countless others. As their web site bio begins, however, “You’ll swear there’s a band.”

Founded in 2007, and the group is still going strong. You can catch them in their latest gig tonight (Tuesday, Aug. 2), when they appear once again at the Middlesex County Fair.

The fair is the latest gig in an incredibly ambitious summer tour for the chorus that will take them to Chicago, Nashville, Cleveland, Orlando, Atlantic City, New York, New Jersey, and the Jones Beach Theater, where they will perform with rock icons Journey and Foreigner.

“It's been wonderful,” Cantaffa said of the tour. “The chemistry between the staff cast and crew is magic. The singers are amazing and we are very lucky to keep playing venues that take such good care of us. More and more audience members are traveling to see us, which is great. Aside from sniffles and fatigue, it's been fantastic.”

The talent and drive of the chorus should come as no surprise; being accepted into their ranks is no trivial matter. “This voices-only group is made of about 35 singers from all over who have auditioned competitively, gone through a personal interview, and their family is interviewed as well,” Cantaffa says. But the rewards of acceptance are many “We have a fantastic staff that has all the positions if a functional rock tour plus several certified music teachers who are our vocal coaches. This summer we have 14 staff members caring for 35 singers and a six student crew.”

As one might expect, Rocknroll Chorus alumni find themselves well prepared for a life in music. “Most have sung in their college a cappella group, and some have created it and directed their a cappella group,” Cantaffa says. “Our alumni have pursued a wide variety of college majors and it's exciting to see where everyone is now going.

“One alumnus, Corey Wagar, is successfully pursuing a solo country music career. She performs regularly in Nashville, is currently No. 66 on the Music Row Country Charts, and will be the opening act for Dolly Parton starting in September.”

The Rocknroll Chorus plays at the Middlesex County Fair on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information about this group, visit them at http://www.rocknrollchorus.com/.