By Carissa Szlosek ’12, Staff Writer

They come in daily to cover new material in class, but who knew that our English teachers also cover songs like the 1997 Savage Garden hit, “Truly, Madly, Deeply?”  Specifically, teachers Mr. Beckman and Mr. Scerra have an under-appreciated passion for music.

Mr. Beckman revealed that he became involved with singing in college at Amherst. His first job was teaching at a boarding school in which the choir teacher was on sabbatical, so he decided to direct the two choirs. Mr. Beckman remarked that he was “totally unprepared” for the role because he had “never studied voice.” He later moved back to Los Angeles and joined a choir.  Mr. Beckman commented, “I was definitely the only person under the age of 65 there!” To any aspiring singers, Mr. Beckman indicated, “it is definitely an easy thing to get into.”

For those interested in picking up singing at leisure, contact English teacher and Diminuendo advisor, Mr. Scerra.  Mr. Scerra developed an interest in singing during middle school.  However, he did not sing a cappella until his third year of college when he joined Dartmouth’s elite a cappella group, “The Final Cut.”  The group did a rendition of “Truly, Madly, Deeply,” which has brought Mr. Scerra to Internet stardom. When Newark Academy students discovered the video, he admitted that he was “partially flattered, yet somewhat disturbed.”  Mr. Scerra further explained that the song is not his favorite to perform; he really enjoys singing John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” instead.  Perhaps an English Department morning meeting presentation is now in order.