Crimson 7 Earns First Place in Golden Lips Competition

At the annual Golden Lips competition hosted by Millbrook School, KO’s all-male a cappella group, Crimson 7, earned first place with a performance that blended powerhouse vocals, dynamic choreography, and unmistakable stage presence.

The group performed “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse, featuring Leo Kollen ’26 as soloist and Riley Mapp ’26 as beatboxer, along with a high-energy rendition of “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, featuring Marco Ramirez ’27 as soloist.

According to music director David Baker, the process of building the group’s repertoire begins long before competition season. At the start of each school year, Baker introduces one song he believes will resonate with the ensemble based on the group’s interests and strengths from the previous year. This year, that song was “Valerie.” From there, the process becomes highly collaborative. During early rehearsals, students discuss additional songs they want to perform, and arrangements are either created by Baker or developed with the help of a professional a cappella arranger. While Baker guides the ensemble musically, helping students refine notes, rhythms, and dynamics, the choreography is largely student-driven.

Several Crimson 7 members participate in KO’s Choreographer Showcase and Winter Musical, bringing dance experience into rehearsals. Seniors Kollen and Mapp took the lead in developing choreography for the group’s three songs this year, teaching the movements to the ensemble and refining them collaboratively.

“It’s a very collaborative process for them and really fun to watch as a director,” Baker said.

KO’s other ensemble, the Oxfordians, also delivered a standout performance at the festival under the direction of Thom Griffith. The group performed “Thank You For the Music” by ABBA with Danica Arwen de Dios ’27 as soloist, as well as “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean featuring Hadley Hersh ’26 as soloist.

Though Crimson 7 captured first place, both ensembles represented KO with creativity, confidence, and a spirit of collaboration that extended far beyond the stage. From arranging harmonies to building choreography together, the students demonstrated what makes performing arts at KO so special: talented students learning from one another and creating something bigger than themselves.