Prairie Ridge alum brings Yale a capella group to Crystal Lake

Later this month, the nation's oldest underclassmen a cappella group, the Yale University Spizzwinks, will perform a joint concert with the A Cappella Choir from Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake.

Look for them to perform a variety of classics and modern hits, as well as some Yale classics by the Spizzwinks, while the A Cappella Choir from Prairie Ridge will sing four selections, ranging from a Gaelic ballad to a hit by the American folk rock band Delta Rae.

In coming to Crystal Lake, the Spizzwinks are following through on a promise they make to every new member: that they will travel to six inhabited continents and his hometown during his time in the group.

The concert brings Aidan O'Connor, a Crystal Lake native and junior at Yale, back to his roots. He attended Prairie Ridge, sang in its choirs and musicals, and competed on its speech team. O'Connor says they shaped his high school experience and furthered his love of music.

“When I entered Prairie Ridge, I immediately fell in love with the choral and theater programs there,” O'Connor says. “District 155 places a strong emphasis on arts education, so my passion for singing was supported well at Prairie Ridge.”

David Jensen, choral director at Prairie Ridge, remembers O'Connor well as an active member of all of his programs, including the A Cappella Choir and Madrigal Singers, as well as the musicals.

“It was such a joy teaching Aidan during his years at Prairie Ridge, and I am thrilled that we will be sharing the stage with this legendary ensemble,” Jensen says.

“Aidan is undoubtedly one of the most gifted young men I've ever had the fortune of working with, and I'm so glad to see him continuing to apply his musical gifts as a member of the Spizzwinks.”

In fact, his passion was so well supported that O'Connor now believes his commitment to music and sharing it with others helped him get into Yale.

“Yale looks for students who pursue their passions and do what they love,” O'Connor says. “I was given the privilege of an amazing music environment to grow up in, and my passion for choir definitely helped make my application stand out.”

So far, the Spizzwinks have more than upheld their promise. During O'Connor's first three years alone, he has traveled to New Zealand, England, the Netherlands, Ireland, France, Germany, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, Morocco, South Africa — and now his hometown.

“This promise to travel all around the world has changed my life,” adds O'Connor, who is pursuing majors in ethics, politics and economics at Yale.

O'Connor says performing in these different countries, especially where they do not speak English, remain his favorite memories, as the group works to engage their audience, using music as the bridge that overcomes this barrier.

“Even when significant language barriers exist, the music we sing can entertain and inspire, no matter one's age or nationality,” he says. “These are the experiences I cherish most.”

If you go

What: The Yale Spizzwinks perform with the A Cappella Choir from Prairie Ridge High School

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20

Where: Willow Crystal Lake, 100 S. Main St. in Crystal Lake

Cost: $15 per person, $10 for students and $25 for preferred seating

Details: Visit <a href="http://www.spizzwinks.com">www.spizzwinks.com</a>, or purchase tickets directly at <a href="http://spizzwinks.ticketbud.com/cl">spizzwinks.ticketbud.com/cl</a>