Vocal Rush

From 2011-2020, Lisaʻs life work centered around a group of high school students with big hearts, brave voices and a desire to make the world a better place. Founded by Lisa Forkish, Vocal Rush is an a cappella group that has won five national championships and inspired countless humans across the globe with their music and message.

In June of 2020, Lisa passed the baton to Vocal Rush founding member, Sarah Vela.

“​​In a world where evidence was compelling to policy makers, Oakland School For The Arts’ Vocal Rush would be Exhibit A, illustrating that arts in education produces well-rounded, focused, intelligent, well-spoken and happy students.”

Ben Folds for HuffPost, 2013

 “To watch OSA Vocal Rush in action is to watch young people articulate themselves with a sense of self-identity and personal agency that even the most enlightened adults would find awe-inspiring.”

Alameda Magazine, 2017

“Vocal Rush’s rise in the a cappella world has been steered by Forkish, who previously worked as the music director for the University of Oregon’s award-winning a cappella group Divisi.”

KQED Arts, 2015

“What started as an after school club, has quickly become a national sensation.”

ABC7 News, 2014

View Other Past Projects

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From 2017-2020, HIVE took the a cappella scene by storm with their unparalleled arrangements and fierce vocal sound.

The Women’s A Cappella Association lived out the intended mission of co-founders Lisa Forkish and Evynne Hollens: to lift up womxn and other marginalized folx in the vocal music scene, to build community, and make the a cappella community more inclusive

The music created by CAVALISA is infused with lilting vocal harmonies, lush chordal textures, lyrical piano melodies, and a rich palette of percussion and drums.

A vocal quintet that was nominated for an A Cappella Community Award in the category of “Favorite Newcomer Group”.