This past weekend, Uptown Theatre Napa was alive with the power of pure, unaccompanied voices as the 19th Annual A Cappella Extravaganza took center stage. With a sold-out audience of over 800, the event was a testament to the deep-rooted choral tradition in Napa County, where high school vocal programs have long been recognized for their exceptional talent and award-winning performances.

Amplifi Napa Valley: Proud Platinum Sponsor of the A Cappella Extravaganza

This year, Amplifi Napa Valley was honored to be the Platinum Sponsor of A Cappella Extravaganza, reinforcing our commitment to investing in local emerging talent and ensuring that high school students have access to world-class performance opportunities.

The A Cappella Extravaganza is the only event that brings together all five public high school choral programs in Napa County, creating a unique space for young vocalists to learn from touring artists, perform on a professional stage, and collaborate with local and collegiate a cappella groups.

By sponsoring this event, Amplifi Napa Valley directly supports:

• High school choral students, giving them access to expert instruction and performance opportunities
• Cross-generational mentorship, where former students now lead the programs and elevate the next generation of singers
• Live performance education, allowing young artists to train with internationally renowned a cappella groups

“We are incredibly proud to support the A Cappella Extravaganza because it aligns perfectly with Amplifi Napa Valley’s mission: to elevate local artists, create dynamic performance experiences, and foster a thriving arts community in Napa.” – Olivia Dodd, Executive Director, Amplifi Napa Valley

A Tradition of Vocal Excellence

For nearly two decades, the A Cappella Extravaganza has celebrated the incredible talent emerging from Napa County’s high school choral programs. These programs have produced singers who have gone on to perform on Broadway, compete on American Idol, and join professional choirs like Aeternum, an Amplifi grant recipient.

Napa County has been fortunate to have legendary choir educators like Craig Bond, Travis Rogers, Jamie Butler and Mark Teeters, whose friendly rivalry pushed their programs to new heights of excellence. Now, as Bond and Rogers have retired, their former students have stepped up to lead, carrying the tradition forward and raising the standard for vocal performance in the region.

An Unforgettable Lineup of Performances

This year’s event featured an incredible lineup of local, collegiate, and professional a cappella groups, including:
🎤 Take Flight – Led by Napa-based artist Journey Day
🎤 Stanford’s Fleet Street Singers – A renowned collegiate a cappella group
🎤 MO5AIC – The event’s headliner, an internationally acclaimed a cappella ensemble

Before the main performance, MO5AIC held a master class with the high school students, sharing their expertise and coaching them on a cappella techniques, making the event both an educational and inspiring experience.

Spotlight on Emerging Artists

Several Amplifi Emerging Artists and IDOL NV contestants were featured in this year’s showcase, including:
🎶 Jocelyn Paniagua
🎶 Andrea Barrera
🎶 Bella Storms & Yadhir Torres (IDOL NV contestants)

Their participation further highlights Amplifi Napa Valley’s ongoing support for young artists, ensuring they receive the training, exposure, and mentorship needed to thrive in their craft.

A Vital Program in Need of Support

The A Cappella Extravaganza serves as a key fundraiser for the Napa High Vocal Music Workshop, directed by Dave Ruane, who has been leading the program for years.

With public funding for the arts dwindling, Ruane must raise the majority of the program’s funding independently to ensure that students continue to have access to high-quality vocal instruction and performance opportunities.

“The A Cappella Extravaganza is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of our local choral community, a bridge between generations of singers, and a critical opportunity for students to grow as performers. We are grateful for Amplifi Napa Valley’s sponsorship and their commitment to supporting the arts.” – Dave Ruane, Producer & Director of Napa High Vocal Music Workshop

Looking Ahead

As the A Cappella Extravaganza approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025, we look forward to seeing this tradition continue to elevate, educate, and inspire the next generation of vocal artists in Napa County.

A huge congratulations to all the performers, organizers, and educators who made this event possible! And to the sold-out crowd that came out to support local music—thank you for investing in the future of live performance!

Stay tuned for more updates on Amplifi Napa Valley’s initiatives and how we continue to support emerging talent in the performing arts.

To learn more about how you can support Napa High Vocal Music Workshop, visit [https://www.napachoir.org/].

Check out our Instagram wrap-up video here:” [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFx7WzhvffP/?igsh=MXc4NHZrNTc0bWZn]