Radville -
On Tuesday, February 24th in spite of the bad weather and even worse road conditions, the Radville Regional High School gymnasium was rockin' with the A capella group HOJA. The students and staff of RRHS and St. Olivier School were treated to a high energy, humorous performance by the three-member group from Saskatoon, SK. Their variety of musical styles from do-wop to rock, country to disco kept the audience clapping and bopping in their seats.
Saskatchewan born and raised artists, Chris Martin (Melfort), Trent Funk (Maryfield) and Kirk DeHaven (Moose Jaw), have been members of HOJA for two and a half years. Their style of singing, A capella, means they use only their voices to create all the sounds you hear coming from the stage. There are no instruments anywhere in sight, yet it sounds like there is a complete band backing them up. It is truly amazing to sit in the audience and listen to the wide range of instruments they can imitate - drums, guitar and yes, even bag pipes!
HOJA was formed in 1998 as a talent development group. It gave young performers the opportunity to showcase their abilities and tour the nation in a professional vocal band. Over the years several young singers were able, because of the HOJA project, to advance their careers to a professional level.
Audience participation is a huge part of the show with this one being no exception. A short lesson in how to make the sound of a kick drum and a snare drum had the room exploding with rhythm. Mr. Darren Johnson, RRHS staff member, helped HOJA sing the country song "Something Like That" and Ethan Robson, RRHS student, did his part in their energetic rendition of "YMCA." Mrs. Lorrie Bolton, St. Olivier staff member, was serenaded with "Pretty Woman" by Chris and Trent in an effort to prove which one was the "real ladies man".
At the end of the show each of the three members told a little bit about themselves and how they had to work very hard to get where they are today. As a whole, the group passed on the message "never give up" and "believe in yourself" to the audience. They encouraged the young people to go after their dreams even when they seem to be out of reach.
HOJA has recorded four CDs and entertain an amazing 300 plus audiences each year as they tour across Canada. If they come to a venue near you - don't miss out!
