The Northamptones is Northampton High School's advanced choral group. The group is audition based, and meets every other day for an 85 minute school period. Currently, there are 12 people in the group.

Susan Dillard returns for her second year in the group as a sonorous soprano. She brings both a playful silliness and serious work ethic to rehearsals and dazzles audiences with her vibrant vocal talents. Besides taking the lead in this year's rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", Susan will return to the stage in the spring production of A Chorus Line as Maggie.

Jordan Eckstein (pronounced ECK-steen) has been in a cappella for 4 years now, and is an alto. Her voice has been described by Doug Rosenberg as sounding like thousands of white sparkling shards of light streaming down in a magnificent column. She is most known for her pretty brown hair and has a strange obsession with silly putty. She has been singing since birth and hopes to one day sing along side the stars (Cher, Barbara Streisand, etc..) Without her in a cappella we would have no way of righteously justifying the Beatles (wait Jo who wrote that song?) and we would have no opposing attitude towards the male population.

Maya Felten is a senior, a veteran 'Tone in her third year in the group. Outside of school she spends most of her time practicing dance with various local dance companies. Maya's great voice gives the alto section a fresh tone,which you may remember from such songs as Seasons Of Love and The Gulf War Song. Maya always brings a soothing vibe to practices and performances, standing out from the other sometimes-whiny women of a cappella.

Leah Jacobson-Hardy is a sophomore and in her first year with The 'Tones. She's quiet.

Garrett Keefe is a junior this year at NHS and one of the Tones's three new babies! With his lovely tenor voice and astoundingly extraverted charisma, he keeps us all on our toes with his energy and anecdotes. All the girls want to make him SHOUT! and/or "string along" when they see him on the streets (and he's proud of it.) For those who know him well, it comes as no surprise to learn that Garrett is a "triple threat." You'll see what I mean when you catch him, singing, acting, and dancing in this year's spring musical, A Chorus Line. Love to all!

Rachel Messeck marches onto the scene in her second year as a Northamptone. (Check out her steamy rendition of Peggy Lee's "Fever" by clicking here). Rachel, a senior at NHS, is a valuable alto and occasional tenor to the group. In addition to her commanding post in a cappella, Rachel is a talented actress, currently preparing for her challenging role as "Sheila" in A Chorus Line. She is also a star floutist and has impressive wire skills. Despite her previous career goal of becoming an airport shuttle driver, we look forward to seeing her Broadway debut as Angel in Rent.

Greta Moore is a straight up player. She is also one of several sopranos in the Northamptones league, where she fights for justice with her silvery notes and fists of glory. Greta grew up in the frozen tundra of the Himalayas and is therefore the product of the ferocity of her birthplace and the Northampton zing. Nowadays, Greta is a senior, walking boldly through the hallways. Some call her wild, but with the help of Beau Flahive, she can be tamed and domesticated to produce tones of great beauty, with her talent unleashed. This is Greta’s second year as a member of the group and is known most for her rendition of the classic, “Toxic” by Britney Spears. Now in her final year, Greta uses her raw wolf-like instincts to combat the challenges that new arrangements reveal. On top of all this, Greta is also the quintessential dirty hippie. If you don't yet know the magnificent Greta Moore, you can distinguish her from the group for her soot and gravy aroma.

Simon Pollock is enjoying his fourth year singing with the Northamptones. As a seasoned member, Simon keeps the Northamptones grounded with his unbiased opinion on all of our decisions. His sarcasm and quick wit keep us laughing all day, and he makes sure the relaxed and fun mood of the group never dies down, no matter how stressed the rest of us may be! Along with his rambunctious and friendly personality, Simon brings his smooth tenor vocals to the group. With his talented ear for harmony and blend, a soothing tone is added to every song. Plus, whenever we need a plug for an event, our cd, or our website, we know Simon's our man!

Colin Silver Colin Silver, more fondly known as Colly and Beat Boxer, has been in the group for two years now. He first discovered his strange ability of grumbling and bshweing after a traumatic childhood event. It was a cold and windy night at the Silver household, and it happened to be Chrismakah, Colin’s favorite holiday. The menorah was lit, the Christmas tree was all aglow, and little Colin was restless in anticipation for what he thought would be a new drum s et. As his parents pulled the sheet off of the present Colin let out a yelp, for what he had thought was a new musical device was nothing more than a pile of old tap dancing shoes. Although this event sounds disturbing, it has a happy ending. Colin eventually used his ingenuity to make his own drum noises by extensive throat training and larynx conditioning. The tap shoes, saxophone, and Santa stuffed animal were also put to good use. He is in essence, the heartbeat of the group.

Lucy Spalding has graced our group since her freshmen year at NHS. Her dazzling and delightful soprano stylings have wowed audiences around Northampton despite her questionable roots in Arizona and California. Besides her effortless siren-like abilities, she has been known to tenderly tinkle the ivories at home and, when we're lucky, at rehearsal. We rely on Lucy not only as a soprano, but also as our pitch and she is a big one. When not spelunking the vast caverns of music, Lucy spends her time turning frowns upside down; this is fiercely defended by those who know her. Now in her fourth and final year as a member of the Northamptones, Lucy is one of eight graduating seniors. We're hoping to somehow get hold of and change her report cards so she'll have to stay with us a few more years.

Ben Bloomberg is a senior returns for his second year in The Northamptones. The group relies on Ben not only for his extraordinary musical talent (if you can hum it he can play it), but for his vast and ludicrous handle on technology. Ben makes Choral Department trips to the elementary schools and JFK run smoothly, runs lights and sounds for many productions in the Theater Department, and on occasion saves the school from technological meltdowns. This year, The 'Tones are proud to back Ben on Ben Harper's "Steal My Kisses" and will sorely miss him when he's gone.

Stefan does not have a last name. Luckily, there's nothing that says he can't be the newest bass (and sometimes vocal percussionist) as a sophomore in The Northamptones. Outside of the group, Stefan can be found performing original material on guitar and piano and wearing cool t-shirts.

Beau Flahive, affectionately referred to as Mary Jane or MJ by the group, is the Northamptones' fabulous director. Her skills include improv piano, smiling even (and especially) when we suck, drinking enormous amounts of coffee, and the best whistling you'll ever hear. When not spending time with her extremely energetic and adorable children (apparently it's genetic), she can be found teaching countless students and admirers how to sing as well as she does. Though she sits on the sidelines while we perform, she brings plenty of feedback to help the group develop as an ensemble. She is very good at giving constructive criticism because she has a knack for being happy and staying positive. Of course, while she enjoys music and teaching, her real passion is midnight demolition derby. Nowhere does Beau have a bigger smile on her face, than when she is behind the wheel of a 1982 Oldsmobile in the middle of utter chaos under the starry sky. She braves the flames, collisions, and explosions of her dangerous hobby and always comes the next day in a cheerful mood!

February 2007