Connetquot Central School District

World champion beatboxer and Connetquot High School alumna Kaila Mullady returned to her alma mater to lead a workshop with the Seventh Street Singers, the school’s auditioned modern a cappella group directed by Nicole White.

Mullady, a Class of 2010 graduate, is a 2015 and 2018 World Beatbox Champion known for blending beatboxing, singing, rapping and theater to push the boundaries of the human voice. She has appeared in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway comedy show “Freestyle Love Supreme” and on television programs such as “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” She is also a co-founder of the Academy of Noise and travels the world leading workshops focused on expression and leadership through music.

During the visit, the Seventh Street Singers performed selections from their Jazz Night repertoire, including “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse, “Die with a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars and a “Sweet Dreams/Poker Face” mashup by Annie Lennox and Lady Gaga. Mullady offered feedback and creative ideas to enhance their performances and demonstrated her own vocal skills, showcasing the wide range of sounds the human voice can produce.

The workshop included instruction in beatboxing and vocal percussion, improvisation exercises and collaborative activities designed to encourage creativity and group connection. Mullady also shared her personal journey, reflecting on her beginnings as a shy vocalist at Connetquot and her path to discovering her voice. The event was sponsored by a grant from ORBBA, Connetquot’s Booster for Music and Art.

“The students raved about it and said it was the absolute best experience. They had fun and felt like the group really grew in that time. They learned many new things they can't wait to try in class and performances. Overall, it was so impactful, and we will all remember this day for a longtime,” Mrs. White said.