Squad Harmonix
All-kids a cappella training program for dedicated singers
AUDITION FOR SQUAD
For information regarding auditioning for Squad Harmonix please visit our AUDITION PAGE
What is Squad Harmonix?
Squad Harmonix is the first-ever year-round a cappella training program for dedicated singers and beatboxers aged 7 - 17. It was designed to give singers the highest quality education in singing and beatboxing and a true vocal team to belong to. Students learn harmonizing, blending, teamwork, accountability, and mic technique and perform multiple shows year-round. Students will get the chance to audition for multiple solos, record in a professional recording studio, and feature in official Squad Harmonix music videos on our YouTube (with over 1 million views).
There are four 'squads' that students can train in that range in difficulty and commitment requirements; Pop Squad, Junior Squad, Senior Squad, and Varsity Squad with the Varsity Squad being considered our professional-level group. Check out the official Squad Harmonix artist website here
What is
a cappella?
A cappella is the art of singing with no backing tracks. Different to choir, where there are normally 30+ students sharing a 4-part harmony song, in a cappella students are expected to be able to hold their harmony on their own, on an individual microphone, while dancing, blending, staying in pitch and ensuring they are listening to their team (squad) buddy who will be singing a completely different harmony. If you have never studied singing please take our word that this is EXTREMELY ADVANCED.
This technique is so advanced in fact that it is generally not taught to students until they reach their last years in high school or even college because teachers don't expect students to be able to handle it.
However! We have created a unique curriculum that has proven to work wonders in developing young voices and for those that are looking for that extra challenge the the results? Outstanding. So much so that our students who have gone through the entire program have won multiple state and national awards, been invited to feature at Carnegie Hall, have performed live on TV at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and continue to get booked for multiple shows throughout the year as a group with our top group, Varsity being paid to perform.
Take note. this isn't karaoke. This is for the die-hard singing or beatboxing student who is willing to commit to dedicated practice each week. Talent is not something we are born with, it is a result of hours and hours of dedicated practice and live performing.
HOW was SQUAD HARMONIX born?
Our director, Laura Saggers who started LJMA in 2014 was delighted that so many of her young voice students were achieving lead roles in all the school and local musical theater programs her students would audition for. However, finding that this wasn't very much of a challenge anymore she then started to look around for a more advanced program to suggest to them and found that there was nothing. Choir doesn't feature many soloists, nor is it particularly challenging to the advanced singer who wants to advance their solo voice. Considering that Los Angeles is the heart of the music biz and having spent the first 10 years of her music career as a performing musician and artist she was disappointed that there was absolutely nothing at an advanced level for kids who want to improve their voice and overall vocal ability.
With a huge passion for community and children's mental health, Laura wanted to create a sports team environment for singers where her students would have to train weekly with their team to ensure improvement. Where everyone is held accountable for learning their harmonies and can no longer get away with letting others do the work for them. Where solos are a privilege for those who have dedicated themselves to the group. Where students would get more live performances offered than any other program in Los Angeles and would guarantee advancement in ability if they dedicate themselves to the program. She wanted a vocal team where the students could feel valued and proud, where they could grow and perform at professional levels, learn to lovingly support each other, and all while managing to stay clear away from the toxic me me me mentality that runs rampant in the city of Los Angeles and music biz.
A cappella requires all of the above. Those who turn up with a strong solo voice but have never worked in a cappella before are floored at how hard the technique is but it works. For those who start at the beginning (Pop Squad), it is an incredible way to start learning to sing. As you go up the levels you will be required to take private lessons in order to advance your own personal voice (either with LJMA or privately)
How does it work?
Squad Harmonix is split up into 4 different training levels. Each Squad increases in difficulty as well as the performances they are eligible for.
All Squads require students to audition in order to be accepted and as students progress through the levels, the work demand increases as do the performances and opportunities that are offered to them. To advance to different squads students must pass the required criteria for singing/beatboxing music theory, and sight reading.
Pop Squad
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Vocaltists: Either new to harmonizing, not sure which Squad to apply for or don't have the time commitment to join Junior or Senior but still want to be part of the fam.
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Beatboxers - must have taken and passed our 8-week beatboxing beginner class or attended our vocal intensive summer camp as a beatboxer to learn the basics.
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Suggested ages: 7 - 10, 10-17 (groups are split up)
Junior Squad
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Vocalists: 1 - 2 years of vocal training in choir OR private lessons.
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Should be comfortable holding their harmony alone in a three-part harmony song.
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Beatboxers: Must have taken our Beatboxing Basics class, understand and be able to manipulate the five main beatboxing sounds, and be able to hold a consistent beat for 3 minutes without detering from the tempo.
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Suggested ages 10 - 14
Senior Squad
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Vocalists: Suggested - 2 - 4 years of vocal training in a choir as well as private voice lessons with an in-depth understanding of breath control, dynamics, style, and articulation.
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Must be able to sing in all three voice types - belt, mix, and head with control and understanding.
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Sing while dancing in formation.
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Beatboxing: Must be able to recognize, memorize, and set tempos correctly for multiple songs.
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Maintain tempos throughout entire songs with multiple tempo changes.
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Beatbox while dancing in formation.
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Suggested ages 12 - 16
Varsity Squad
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Advanced a cappella level
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Suggested 4 - 6 years of vocal training in choir AND private lessons.
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Strong sight reading skills required
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Suggested ages 15 - 18
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All new members must complete at least one semester at Senior Squad before being accepted into Varsity Squad.
Officialy released Albums!
We release two professional albums (EPs) every year (Pop and Holiday) as part of our vocal training. Those in Junior, Senior and Varsity Squad will have the opportunity to record the songs they have been working on in the semester in a professional studio with Squad producer Greg Johnson. Our tracks are then mixed by Ed Boyer (Pentatonix mixer) and released on all streaming platforms (Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, etc)
Music Videos
Check out our official Youtube page with over 10'000 subscribers and over 1 mil views!
Now we are fully restored back from Covid we are excited to announce we are now offering in - person music videos each semester for our Junior, Senior and Varsity Squad members. Squadlings LOVE the process of filming a music video which includes outfits, make up artist, camera crew and a professionally edited music video that is released on our YouTube channel alongside our upcoming EP. Excellent for those that want to build up professional looking portfolio but also great for learning how to act and perform in front of the camera! Music Videos are a firm favorite with our Squadlings.
Chanukah (Shake It Off) from Squad Harmonix
Let It Go a cappella Cover from Frozen- Squad Harmonix
White Christmas - Squad Harmonix A Cappella Cover
SQUADS
POP squad
Group 1: ages 7-10,
Group 2 : ages 10 - 17
Spring Semester includes:
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Saturday group rehearsals, 12 pm - 2.30 pm
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All practice materials including custom-arranged sheet music, practice recordings, binder, rehearsal t-shirt (required to be wore at every rehearsal)
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1-2 x Performances including Squad Harmonix Showcase
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LAAF A Cappella Training Convention weekend entry ticket (worth $80)
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Eligible for Carnegie Hall Performance - 21st-24th March (must sign up in the previous semester)
Requirements:
All members must have a Squad Performance Outfit:
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Pink and Black for the Spring Semester
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Holiday Outfit for Winter Semester
Junior Squad
Suggested Age 10-14
Semester includes:
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Saturday Rehearsals,12pm - 2.30 pm
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Weekly Masterclass rehearsals with Director, Laura on Wednesdays 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm
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All practice materials including custom-arranged sheet music, practice recordings, rehearsal t-shirt and binder.
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3 -5 x Performances
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Weekly Private Music theory Class, Online (30mins/week)
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1 x in-person Box Music Video
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Featured on 2 x songs on the official Squad Harmonix albums
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LAAF A Cappella Traininng Convention Weekend (Feb 16th/17/18th)
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Carnegie Hall Performance - 21st-24th March (must sign up in the previous fall semester)
Requirements:
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To be eligible for solo, students must have passed Junior Level Music Theory
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Must have a Squad Performance outfit:
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Pink and Black Outfit for Spring Semester
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Holiday Outfit for the winter semester.
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Senior squad
Suggested Age 12-16
Semester includes:
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Saturday Rehearsals, 12 pm - 2.30 pm
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Weekly masterclass rehearsals with Director, Laura on Wednesdays 5.30 pm - 7 pm
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All practice materials including custom-arranged sheet music, practice recordings, rehearsal t-shirts, and binder
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Weekly Private Music Theory class, online (30mins/week)
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4-7 Performances including Squad Showcase
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1-2 Days recording in a professional recording studio
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Featured on 2 x Songs for the Official Squad Harmonix album
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1 x Music Video
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LAAF A Cappella Training Convention Weekend Ticket (worth $80)
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Eligible for Carnegie Hall Performance- 21st - 24th March (must sign up in the previous fall semester)
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Eligible for private bookings, national anthem bookings and studio recording sessions.
Requirements:
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Vocalists:
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Must take weekly private voice lessons
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To be eligible for solos students must have passed Junior Level Music Theory
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Varsity squad
Suggested Age 14 - 18
Students can opt for:
Varsity 1: Varsity Vocals National Competition
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Train for the biggest national a cappella competition in the USA (finals in New York)
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Rehearsals span over two semesters: first half of the Fall and Spring Semesters.
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Students are not permitted to miss rehearsals in January/February or risk not being allowed to compete
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LAAF A Cappella Training Convention Weekend Ticket (Worth $80)
Varsity 2: Holiday Season
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Train for our busy holiday season where Varsity gets booked for multiple holiday shows in December. Past venues include Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Westfield Mall Century City, LA Zoo, San Pedro Boat Parade, private corporate bookings, local restaurants, and churches. Bookings can come last minute but on average Varsity performs 6-10 shows during the season.
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Feature and record 4-5 songs on our Squad holiday album, Happy Squalidays in a professional recoding studio.
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Feature in a full-production holiday music video.
Varsity 3: Spring Season
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Train for our pop and jazz set and perform multiple shows around Los Angeles. Bookings can include restaurants, private parties. This semester is required for all students signed up to perform at the Fringe Festival in Scotland in August.
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Feature and record 4-5 songs on our Squad Pop album in a professional recoding studio.
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Feature in a full-production music video.
Varsity Squad is 'invite only' and new members are only ever selected from our Senior Squad.
REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Pop Squad info
Rehearsal Day
Rehearsal Time:
Rehearsal Dates:
No Rehearsal:
LAAF Community Show:
LAAF Convention
Retirement Home Show:
Squad Showcase:
Saturdays
12 pm - 2.30 pm
20th January - 9th June
6th April, 25th May
16th Feb, 7.30 pm
17th Feb - All Day
5th May, 2 pm - 4 pm
9th June, 9 am - 12 pm
Spring 2024
Saturdays
12 pm - 2.30 pm
21st September - 15th December
30th November
8th December, 2 pm- 4 pm
15th December, 10 am - 1.30 pm
Fall 2024
Junior Squad info
Rehearsal 1 Day / Time
Rehearsal 2 Day / Time
Rehearsal Dates:
No Rehearsal:
LAAF Community Showcase
LAAF Training Convention
Retirement Home Shows:
Squad Showcase:
Squad Recording Session:
Squad Music Video Filming:
Saturdays, 12 pm - 2.30 pm
Wednesday, 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm
13th January - 9th June
6th April, 25th May
16th Feb, 7.30 pm
17th Feb All Day
4th Feb, 2 pm - 4 pm
3rd March, 2 pm - 4 pm
5th May, 2 pm - 4 pm
9th June, 9 am - 12 pm
27th, 28th April - Times TBC
12th May, Times TBC
Spring 2024
Saturdays, 12 pm - 2.30 pm
Wednesday, 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm
21st September - 15th December
30th November
20th October, 2 pm - 4 pm
17th November, 2 pm - 4 pm,
8th December, 2 pm- 4 pm
15th December, 10 am - 1.30 pm
TBC
TBC
Fall 2024
Please note the above shows are confirmed shows for the semester however more shows and recording sessions are likely to get booked during the semester. These are optional but highly recommended.
Senior Squad info
Rehearsal 1 Day / Time
Rehearsal 2 Day / Time
Rehearsal Dates:
No Rehearsal:
LAAF Community Showcase
LAAF Training Convention
Farmers Market Show:
Retirement Home Shows:
Squad Showcase:
Squad Recording Session:
Squad Music Video Filming:
Saturdays, 12 pm - 2.30 pm
Wednesday, 5.30 pm - 7 pm
13th January - 9th June
6th April, 25th May
16th Feb, 7.30 pm
17th Feb All Day
4th Feb, 10 am - 12.15 pm
3rd March, 10 am - 12.15 pm
5th May, 10 am - 12.15 pm
4th Feb, 2 pm - 4 pm
3rd March, 2 pm - 4 pm
5th May, 2 pm - 4 pm
9th June, 9 am - 12 pm
27th, 28th April - Times TBC
12th May, Times TBC
Spring 2024
Saturdays, 12 pm - 2.30 pm
Wednesday, 5.30 pm - 7 pm
21st September - 15th December
30th November
20th October, 2 pm - 4 pm
17th November, 2 pm - 4 pm,
8th December, 2 pm- 4 pm
15th December, 10 am - 1.30 pm
TBC
TBC
Fall 2024
Please note the above shows are confirmed shows for the semester however more shows and recording sessions are likely to get booked during the semester. These are optional but highly recommended.
Varsity Squad 1
Rehearsal Day / Time
Rehearsal Dates:
No Rehearsal:
Farmers Market Shows:
Quarter Finals
Semi-Finals
Finals (New York)
Varsity Vocals National Competition (spans over two semesters)
Saturdays, 3.30 pm - 6.30 pm
9th Sept - 15th Oct, 2023,
13th Jan - 9th March
13th+ 20th April (if through to Finals)
6th April, 2024
10th October 2023, 10 am - 12.15 pm,
4th February 2024, 10 am - 12.15 pm
10th February, 2024
9th March, 2024
26th April, 2024
Varsity Squad 2
Rehearsal Day / Time
Rehearsal Dates:
No Rehearsal:
Shows:
Recording Sessions:
Music Video Filming:
2023 Holiday Shows, Album, Music Video
Saturdays, 3.30 pm - 6.30 pm
21st Oct, 17th December
25th Nov,
12th Nov, 10 am - 12.15 pm
3rd Dec, 3.30 pm - 6.30 pm
3rd Dec, 7.30 pm - 9 pm
10th Dec, 10 am - 12.30 pm
10th Dec, 6 pm - 9 pm
12th Dec, 6 pm - 7 pm
16th Dec, 7.30 pm - 9 pm
17th Dec, 10 am - 1.30 pm
21st, 22nd, 29th October, 5th November
18th November, 3 pm - 10.30 pm
Varsity Squad 3
Rehearsal Day / Time
Rehearsal Dates:
No Rehearsal:
Shows:
Recording Sessions:
Music Video:
Extra Fringe Rehearsals*
Arrive in Scotland*
Fringe Sound Check*
Fringe Performances*
2024 Spring Semester - Fringe Festival, Album, Music Video
Saturdays, 3.30 pm - 6.30 pm
16th March - 9th June
6th April, 25th May
5th May, 10 am - 12.15 pm
5th May, 2 pm - 4 pm
2nd June, 3.30 pm - 6.30 pm
9th June, 10 am - 1.30 pm
13th, 14th, 20th, 21st April
19th May, All Day
28th, 29th, 30th July
2nd August
3rd, 4th August
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th August
Varsity students not signed up for the Fringe can still participate in Varsity 3 as the same songs will be performed at the Squad Showcase, you are just not required to attend any dates with *
