Harmonic Legacy: 16 Students Redefine What it Means to Make Music With Passion and Unity.

Harmonic Legacy: 16 Students Redefine What it Means to Make Music With Passion and Unity.

By Katie Simpson.

Enharmonic. Simply put, it's a musical term that means, "the same... but different." 

It’s also the (impeccably chosen) inspiration behind Hamilton High School's newest musical group—an a cappella group named The Enharmonix. 

The idea to add a small, yet competitive vocal group at HHS was originally set into motion by former Supervisor of Fine Arts, Ben Spalding. The plan was for it to be a show choir of sorts, but when the logistics didn’t quite work out, the idea for an a cappella group began to take shape. 

For the first year, students simply learned about the new adventure they were about to embark on—how to sing a cappella and what would be required of them for the group to be successful. It wasn’t until the second year of existence that students actually began to compete. But when their moment came, all their preparation and hard work proved to be well worth it. 

Under the direction of Austin Teegarden and Christina Fox, Hamilton’s Enharmonix began to create not only music that’s pleasing to the ear, but music that touches the soul. Their sound is youthful, yet seasoned. It’s modern, yet timeless. What the Enharmonix present each time they perform truly makes you feel something. Whether it’s their blend of chill-inducing harmonies, their gripping solos, the rhythmic bass line you can feel, or the vocal percussion that adds powerful depth—the Enharmonix are the real deal and a force to be reckoned with. 

They’ve performed and competed in numerous competitions, community events, and district concerts—even opening for the award-winning, iconic female group En Vogue. And the Enharmonix just keep getting better and better, due in large part to their own work ethic and drive, as well as the high standard that Teegarden and Fox have set for each student. 

But they haven’t stopped with just performing and competing. They’ve also seamlessly stepped into the artistic world of music videos and created a platform for their music via streaming. In May of 2024, the Enharmonix released their first music video on YouTube as well as two songs on Spotify. Directed, filmed, and edited by the talented duo Natalie and Cara DiPietro, the music video was a hauntingly beautiful, yet youthfully infused cover of Alive by Sia—a cover that quickly reached an impressive 2,000 views on YouTube. 

Now, a year later, they’re doing it again. With only a few returning members, the group in some ways feels brand new for the 2024–25 season—and yet… like they’ve somehow always been. Made up of 16 Hamilton High School students, the Enharmonix are, to put it mildly, wildly talented. But the bigger picture of who they are? They’re a group of students who are remarkably well-spoken, refreshingly respectful, and brimming with contagious excitement about being part of something special. It’s hard not to be drawn into what they’re doing. 

They have that thing that every performer hopes to have. 
They have the IT factor. 

You watch them, and you listen to them, and it reminds you just how moving and pure music can be. There’s a rawness and a realness to what they’re doing that will likely leave you with goosebumps. 

The day of their second music video shoot, the Enharmonix and their directors were gracious enough to allow The Hamiltonian to be present on set and ask a few questions between takes. When asked, “What do you love and enjoy most about being a part of this group?”—without hesitation, so many of them said, “the sense of community it provides” and that “it feels like a big, welcoming family.” They added that while they obviously want to be their best individually, the feeling of competition within the group is practically non-existent. Sure, they want to shine as individuals, but they also understand that when they lift each other up, it strengthens the group—and that’s what makes them sound their best. 

In a cappella, there’s nowhere to hide. Often, you’re singing a part by yourself or with just one other person. You have to be on your “A” game, or the whole sound can fall flat. And that’s a challenge many of the students say they welcome wholeheartedly. 

As a writer, it's always fascinating to hear what matters to people—to hear their heart. And in my time with this unique group of 16 students, it was clear they have a heart not only for music, but for each other. I asked many of them if there were any moments that would stick with them for years to come—moments that felt extra special. For many, the answer came quickly: “Quarterfinals.” 

As soon as someone said it, eyes lit up, heads began to nod, and voices chimed in with Yesss!” They described how, as soon as they walked off stage, they started hugging. Some cried. They told each other how proud they were—of themselves, of each other, and of the group. They knew, without a doubt, they had done their absolute best. And regardless of where they placed, there were no regrets. They had given it everything they had. And that was enough. 

One moment stood out as particularly thoughtful and deeply truthful. When asked, “What does doing a music video like this mean to you?” a group of students grew almost somber—reflective. One answered, “It’s proof that we were here.” Another added, It’s something tangible for the world to see—and something we can look back on. Something we can show our families or maybe even our kids one day.” 

As I moved around the room, it was a sentiment echoed again and again. Yes, it’s fun to sing, to perform, and to live out their dream of being in a music video—which, make no mistake, they love. And rightfully so. But it’s also a moment in their lives they’re deeply grateful for. A moment that’s special. A moment that means something. A time when 16 marvelously different people came together to make something beautiful—something that was uniquely them as individuals, but that created one stunning visual and a sound that was completely theirs. 

The same. But different. 

What a beautifully illustrated life lesson. 

Each of us is different and unique and made with a purpose. On our own, we may sound pretty good—great, even. But when we live up to who we’re meant to be, and we add our part to creation’s harmony, we forge a sound that reverberates through the echoes of time. Leaving a mark that makes a lasting impact. 

The Enharmonix’s newest video will debut in May on YouTube. Be sure to check it out—and keep an eye out for upcoming performance dates. You won’t want to miss them. 

Special thanks to The Benison for allowing the Enharmonix the space to shoot their video. 
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