By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Westborough – As the daughter of a professional classically trained singer, Sophia Berg developed a love for music at a very early age. Throughout her early years she participated in musical theater – whether it was through school, summer camps, or miscellaneous troupes in the area. In high school, Berg began singing in different musical groups and now, as a rising junior at Northeastern University, she is a member of the a cappella group The Nor’easters which recently released the album, “Rise,” as well as a music video for Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall.”
Berg credits her mother, Andrea Ehrenreich – a full time music educator at Mill Pond School – for helping her to formulate her musical style and taste.
“Her gift for teaching music is incredible,” said Berg. “I wish I could share her wealth of vocal knowledge with everyone I know that sings.”
Throughout her tenure at Westborough High School (WHS), Berg participated in women’s chorale, concert choir, chamber singers, Harmony in Heels, Center Stage Productions, improv troupe, and did an internship for the choir teacher. During her junior and senior years she was the music director of Harmony in Heels, a formative experience which, she said, taught her about different learning styles, techniques and strengths.
“Once I started singing in high school, I couldn’t stop,” said Berg. “I literally auditioned for everything and anything I could. I had so much fun singing as much as I could and I gained a lot from dipping my toes into such a variety of pools.”
Berg graduated from WHS in 2014. She is currently attending Northeastern University where she is pursuing a political science and communication studies major. In addition to her academic course-load, Berg is a member of the school’s premiere co-ed a cappella group, The Nor’easters.
The oldest vocal group on campus, The Nor’easters were awarded Best Mixed Collegiate Album for both III (2013) and Equilibrium (2014) at the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards. In February, The Nor’easters released their newest album entitled “Rise,” which has since charted at number 9 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers in the Northeast Region, number 114 on iTunes Album Charts, and number 39 on iTunes Pop Charts. It is available on iTunes, Loudr, and Spotify! To obtain a physical copy of the album, email [email protected].
The Nor’easters started singing Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall” last winter, a song which Berg described as her favorite song in the group’s repertoire.
“It is really dynamically appealing and has so many symphonic elements that make it so interesting and fun to sing,” she said. “’Writing’s on the Wall’ is unlike all of our other arrangements, it is the epitome of what we are trying to produce.”
Once the group realized how well people responded to the song, they knew they had to release a music video.
“We’re really hoping that this video is shared throughout all of our various communities because this music means so much to us and we really want to share a live performance with as many people as we can,” said Berg.
“Writing’s on the Wall” was released May 21 and in just 10 days the music video garnished more than 24,600 views.
According to Berg, The Nor’easters work to break barriers and release music that has unheard-of elements. To this end, they continually try new things and create nuances within their music that aren’t typical of most a cappella groups.
Listen to “Rise” here: http://www.noreaster.neu.edu/album/rise/; watch the “Writing’s on the Wall” music video here: http://bit.ly/WOTW-video.