Singing Valentines are an established tradition here at CRLS. Every February 14th, four a cappella groups – Pitches and Do’s, Note to Self, Fermata Nowhere, and Sassafras – burst into classrooms to serenade students, bringing joy, embarrassment, and a ton of musical magic to the day. It is a unique celebration that has become a cherished part of school culture.
Preceding the musical events of the day, students purchase tickets at the Bagel Benches for their friends, teachers, or significant others. Such is the demand that the a cappella groups almost always quickly sell out their performance slots.
For many students in a cappella, Singing Valentines are a source of great excitement. “Something I really appreciate about Singing Valentines is that the groups get really tight and connected,” Lucca Olivet ’24, a leader of Pitches and Do’s, told the Register Forum. “We get to run around the school together and it’s kinda like a whole adventure, bringing entertainment and joy to everyone who’s just sitting in their classrooms.” This year, Olivet’s group’s song selections included “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5, “My Love, Mine All Mine” by Mitski, and “Something Stupid” by Frank Sinatra, among many more.
Leila Nur ’26 echoes Olivet’s sentiments, stating, “Something I appreciate about Singing Valentines is how close it gets you with your group and how you really see the school in a different light. You get to go around, it’s almost like a slumber party feeling.” Nur belongs to the group Sassafras, which performed “Clumsy” by Fergie, “Boyfriend” by Big Time Rush, and “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.
While students experienced the fleeting joy or momentary embarrassment of a Singing Valentine, the members of the a cappella groups endured a day-long performance filled with both excitement and exhaustion. The logistical challenge of tracking down the right classrooms added a layer of stress; for many singers, though, the experience was an opportunity to bond with their a cappella peers.
“It’s [Singing Valentines] very tiring but it is also very rewarding to see the joy we bring out in others.” Chanho Lee ’24 says. Lee is a leader of Note to Self, who performed “Dear Future Husband” by Megan Trainor, “Dilemma” by Nelly, “Boyfriend” by Justin Bieber, and “This Love” by Maroon 5.
“I think Singing Valentines is one of the most unique events we have here at CRLS. In a way, it brings the community together by bringing school spirit, and joy. You have a chance to showcase some love to a crush or a friend. It’s a fun day of singing,” he concluded.
It’s clear the tradition infuses energy and enthusiasm into the Valentine’s Day festivities. Dani Montorzi ’25 told the Register Forum, “As a friend of someone in an a capella group, I like that it doesn’t have to be something romantic; it’s something that can be just fun. For example, I got one for my sister and for a few of my friends.”
Following each year of Singing Valentines, CRLS students are left with memories of a day filled with surprises, laughter, and musical romance. The tradition, spunky and spirited, continues to fuel the vibrant and lively atmosphere of our school community.
This article also appears in our February 2024 print edition.
