Lake Oconee Academy middle and high school band students experienced an inspiring and memorable masterclass when professional vocal ensemble Sons of Serendip visited campus as part of a community partnership with the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS).
The visit took place on January 16, 2026, just ahead of the group’s evening performance, and was personally hosted by OPAS Artistic and Executive Director Doug LaBrecque, whose commitment to arts education continues to create meaningful opportunities for local students. By bringing Sons of Serendip to LOA, OPAS offered Titans a rare chance to engage directly with nationally recognized performers in an intimate, educational setting.
LOA Band Director Courtney Pilgrim welcomed the group and introduced them to students with a short video highlighting Sons of Serendip’s journey, including their rise as runners-up on America’s Got Talent. The artists shared intimate details including: how they first met during their college years; how their collaboration evolved naturally; the story behind choosing their name,; and emphasized how curiosity, connection and shared purpose shaped their path.
Middle and high school band students then performed Cyclone, a technically demanding and emotionally rich piece. Pilgrim explained the visual and narrative elements behind the music before inviting feedback from the visiting artists.
“The opportunity for our students to receive direct, professional feedback like this is incredibly powerful,” Pilgrim said. “Experiences like today help students understand that music is not just about playing the notes exactly correct, but about communicating emotion, intention and story through music. This was a moment of real growth for them.”
Members of Sons of Serendip asked students thoughtful questions about preparation, confidence and performance mindset. Several students offered reflective responses, including William Baynes, who shared how he approaches performing complex pieces.
“I try to memorize the technical parts so well that when I’m performing, I don’t have to think about them anymore,” Baynes said. “That way I can focus on the emotion and the story behind the music and really connect that part with the audience.”
Students were then invited to perform a challenging section of Cyclone again, immediately applying the guidance they had received. The improvement was noticeable, underscoring the impact of expert mentorship in a short amount of time.
The visit also included individual coaching for students preparing for District Honor Band and All-State competitions. Seventh grader Brianna Spurlin performed a flute selection she plans to present later this season, while 10th grade student Kyler Fryer performed on the trumpet. Both students received detailed, encouraging feedback from both Doug LaBrecque and members of
Sons of Serendip, gaining valuable insight into technique, musical expression and performance confidence.
The session concluded with a group photo, marking a day that students and teachers alike described as truly special. Lake Oconee Academy is deeply grateful to OPAS, Doug LaBrecque and Sons of Serendip for their generosity, insight and investment in student learning. Opportunities like this reflect the strength of LOA’s community partnerships and the school’s commitment to authentic, real-world arts education.