World champion beatboxer and Connetquot High School alumna Kaila Mullady returned to her hometown roots recently, leading a dynamic workshop with the Seventh Street Singers, the school’s auditioned modern a cappella group.
Directed by Nicole White, the ensemble welcomed Mullady back to the stage where her own musical journey first began.
A member of Connetquot’s Class of 2010, Mullady has risen to international acclaim as a 2015 and 2018 World Beatbox Champion. Known for fusing beatboxing, singing, rapping and theatrical performance, she continues to expand the possibilities of the human voice.
Her career includes appearances in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway comedy show “Freestyle Love Supreme,” as well as television programs such as “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Mullady also co-founded The Academy of Noise and travels globally, offering workshops centered on expression, creativity and leadership through music.
During her visit, the Seventh Street Singers performed selections from their Jazz Night repertoire, including Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie,” “Die with a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, and a “Sweet Dreams/Poker Face” mashup.
Mullady provided feedback and inventive ideas to strengthen their performances while demonstrating her own remarkable range of vocal percussion and sound effects.
The session featured instruction in beatboxing, improvisation exercises and collaborative activities designed to build confidence and group connection. Mullady also spoke candidly about her beginnings as a shy student vocalist and the path that led her to discover her voice.
Sponsored through an ORBBA grant and Connetquot’s Booster for Music and Art, the event left a lasting impression.
“The students raved about it and said it was the absolute best experience,” White said. “Overall, it was so impactful, and we will all remember this day for a long time.”