Vocal Point is Brigham Young University’s 9-man a capella singing group. It was founded back in 1991 after two students traveled to the Eastern U.S. and saw just how popular contemporary a capella was in colleges.
So they brought the sound out West.
It turned out to be just as popular at BYU where the group sold out its very first concert, recorded its first song “If Rocks Could Sing,” AND went out on its first tour all in the same year!
In 1994, BYU decided to make it a formal part of the university since it had become such an institution.
If their YouTube channel is any indication, their sound is being appreciated all around the world with over 118 MILLION total views on their videos.
In 2017, they produced a particularly moving video that went viral. At the time, the members were Jantzen Dalley, Kyle Lemperle, Spencer Myler, Matt Newman, Carl Prince, Nathan Proffit, David Ross, Logan Shelton, David Steele (plus Artistic director McKay Crockett).
The song they chose was “You Will Be Found.”
It’s the last song from the first act of the Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and based on a book by Steven Levenson. (In fact, they’re making a major motion picture out of it as well!)
The a capella version these gentleman sing was arranged by McKay Crockett and features solos by Dalley and Shelton.
The video is about the effects of bullying and loneliness on teenagers.
The men even filmed part of the video at Juab High School in Nephi, Utah (in addition to the gorgeous desert in Moab).
First, the video follows the story of a bullied boy who gets a double whammy of having his books knocked out of his hands only to be humiliated a second time by a group pretending to help him.
Next, a girl is being cyberbullied in a classroom by three female classmates.
While we don’t see what they write, it’s enough to upset her deeply.
The young man ends up all alone sitting outside the school with his back against the wall.
Eventually, a student with a kind heart does come along to make friends with him.
The young woman is in the bathroom, where she’s seen crying by another classmate who chooses to comfort her.
Vocal Point performed this powerful piece with the Moab and Juab High School Choirs.
And boy do those groups make for a beautiful sight and sound when they belt out the words of friendship and compassion – and sing about how no one is truly invisible.
“You Will Be Found” can indeed be found on Vocal Point’s album Music Video Hits, Vol. 2.
Since 2017, the beautiful music video has been viewed over 4.4 million times.
And lest you think bullying isn’t a real problem around the world, you might take a look at some of the heartbreaking comments the video inspired amongst all the kudos.
“I’m 14 and I have been getting bullied since I was in 2nd grade and last year I was thinking about committing suicide this song really means a lot to me thanks,” said a young viewer.
Sometimes we underestimate just how much music can get through to young people or remind them of important moments in their lives.
“I was in their position once. I was all alone every day I’d sit alone at lunch on the band hallway floor until one of my friends from church whom I hadn’t spoken with for two years came to me and made my life a whole lot better. Sometimes we do need a push,” recalled another young viewer.
While the video is not faithful to the plot of the musical, that hardly matters. It’s found a new message to send – and it’s a powerful one.
Be sure to scroll down below to watch it for yourself.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, click here for phone or chat services available 24/7 across the United States. If you are outside the U.S., here is a link to international services.
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