By Torben Heinbockel ’26
Can you feel the love at SP when Valentine’s Day comes around? For students, teachers, and faculty/staff at the St. Paul’s Schools, the answer is most certainly a resounding “YES,” thanks to the SP Upper School’s a cappella group, Route 81.
A cappella is defined as singing with the absence of instrumental or musical accompaniment. Every year, Route 81, comprised of around 10-14 singers, continues this annual cherished tradition of Singing Valentines. Route 81 is only open to select 10-12th graders who auditioned from SP Concert Chorale, the SP Upper School’s choir. They rehearse every Sunday night from 7-9 p.m. under the direction of Mr. Jack Rifkin. Repertoire includes music spanning from the Italian Renaissance to the Beatles and beyond. Originally, Route 81 started out with only nine members but has expanded over the years to thirteen. The name “Route 81” originated from the idea of taking the square “root” of 81, resulting in the answer “9,” which was the original number of members in the group.
This year, Route 81 spent a full day traveling across both SP and SPSG campuses on February 13th, including the Preschool, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools to deliver more than 80 Singing Valentines. Tickets to purchase these serenades went on sale in the cafeteria of the Ward Center several weeks prior to the event. Each “singing gram” sold for $5. Included was a rose, a note from a secret admirer, and, of course, the singing itself.
As far as music programs in SP Upper School, interested male singers in the ninth or tenth grades can join the “St. Paul’s Singers.” Their repertoire typically consists of three-part arrangements for Tenor, Baritone, and Bass singers. The SP Singers provides a solid foundation for more senior and advanced ensembles. Similarly, tenth through twelfth graders can audition or be recommended by Mr. Rifkin for the “St. Paul’s Concert Chorale.” Concert Chorale requires an advanced understanding of the choral arts and an ability to tackle more difficult musical repertoire. This group pays closer attention to intonation, vowel modification, resonance building, and advanced concepts of vocal placement. This group has toured both national and international venues in the past, including in Germany, Austria, and Ireland. “Route 81/Chamber Choir” is the most musically advanced group, performing repertoire from several languages and music spanning the Italian Renaissance period to the Beatles and beyond. Interested singers must audition and typically are selected from the St. Paul’s Concert Chorale.
Traditionally, Route 81 and St. Paul’s Concert Chorale members wear black tuxedoes, white shirts, bowties, and black shoes. This year, Route 81 delivered Singing Valentine messages while serenading students, faculty, and staff with sweet familiar tunes, including “Hooked on A Feeling” (Blue Swede), “How Sweet It Is” (James Taylor), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Elton John), and “Put Your Head on my Shoulder” (Paul Anka).
Route 81 brought an abundance of flowers and messages reading “Happy Valentine’s Day” to accompany their performances. This sweet tradition fosters the building of closer relationships and school spirit around campus.
So, when Valentine’s Day comes around again, think of the following musical, heartfelt rhyme: Roses are red, violets are blue — but you won’t be blue after hearing Route 81’s a cappella crew!
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