Today we’d like to introduce you to Royce Nelson.
Hi Royce, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a professional singer since I was 13 in Los Angeles singing in studio sessions with producers and artists including Mick Jagger. I have fronted bands opening for major acts like Little Big Town and Kacey Musgraves. I later went on to sing and dance on cruise ships where I sustained what my doctor called a “career ending injury”. I was devastated to say the least but began to pivot my career away from music into Real Estate. After years of voice therapy and refusing to stop singing all together, I discovered a cappella.
A cappella is a whole community of singers across the nation with competitions, large networks and wonderful talented singers. I joined the Los Angeles based group The Over Tones and it was the perfect way for me to rehab my voice while challenging me in a whole new way. I wasn’t singing big belty songs for hours on end like I had previously been doing. I was singing intricate difficult harmonies learning how to blend with other singers which challenged my capabilities in a whole new way while not over exerting my voice.
Little by little, my voice began to strengthen again and I found myself singing pain-free for the first time in years. It was all very emotional for me and this new community of friends were extremely supportive and understanding.
There came a time where I knew staying in Los Angeles wasn’t realistic for me and leaving the group was the hardest part of making that big decision. I searched South Florida for a cappella groups thinking there must be a few. There are not. The only ones I found were either at the local college or large group choirs. Nothing like what I was used to.
I started flirting with the idea of starting my own but felt directing a group was not in my line of expertise as I was still somewhat new to it all myself. I connected with someone who jumped at the opportunity to start this project with me but then covid happened so everything go put on hold.
After things began to cool a bit last summer, we agreed it was time to get started so I recruited via social media and lined up auditions. Unfortunately, she had a personal emergency and I completely understood when she admitted she just couldn’t take this on. All of the sudden, I was auditioning members all by myself starting a group telling everyone, “I’ll find us another director.”
Well, that was six months ago and we are about to wrap up 13 holiday shows across South Florida singing at various city events, assisted living facilities, private parties and more all under my direction. After months of auditions and working on holiday music the group of individuals who have helped form this wonderful group has supported me and given me the confidence I needed to direct this group myself and take it all the way!
What started as a little volunteer hobby quickly exploded into a full-blown business. After that first round of auditions, we began with learning Holiday music last summer. We truly thought we’d just show up on Las Olas and sing just for fun. But as the Holiday’s were approaching, we were being offered many paid gigs and I soon realized I needed to file for a DBA and open a bank account right away! I knew there was nothing quite like us in South Florida but I didn’t realize just how much this group was actually needed.
I’m so proud of what we have built and feel that we have only just begun. I’m still on the hunt for a Music Director, but I guess being the Director of Treble In Paradise A Cappella was just meant to be!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Initially, when the would be director said she couldn’t take the project on, I thought finding someone else would be easy because connecting with her had been easy. I began directing out of necessity and while recruiting more members of the group I also searched for a replacement. I unintentionally took on a lot more than I had initially thought so I was a bit overwhelmed at first. But the group has stepped up and helped every way they could.
Plus, having zero directing or piano skills also has its challenges. Because I don’t play piano, I can’t just pluck out everyone’s parts for them like a normal group would. So for all of the holiday music, I recorded myself singing everyone’s part. I know just enough music theory that I could teach myself the parts I didn’t know and then record it. Including singing the bass part an octave up since as a girl, there’s no way I was going to be singing those low bass notes.
On one of our songs, I didn’t look hard enough at the ranges for these singers and had them singing parts they couldn’t really hit whether too low or too high. I hadn’t even tested their ranges in order to know this information. I think back and realize how amateur that was.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Treble In Paradise is a cappella group located in South Florida. This group was established in mid-2021 by pro singer Royce Nelson who had recently relocated from Los Angeles. The group is comprised of dedicated individuals with various backgrounds all adding their individual touch of expertise and personality. They perform contemporary arrangements of songs you know and love of varying styles as well as the National Anthem, Happy Birthday, Holiday Carols and many more special occasion classics.
Every singer in the group brings something different to the table. From theater to choirs to a cappella and beatboxing as well as many being from different parts of the country everyone has their own flair. I’m proud of this group of individuals who worked so hard to make these holiday shows happen. We put smiles on a lot of people’s faces. Hard work truly pays off!
Most proud of: After the Holidays that 2020 gave us, it has been even more rewarding to be out singing again! Nothing could have prepared me for the generosity and love we have received from every show we have done.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I have learned so far is to always remember what this is all about, putting smiles on people’s faces and making memories that last a lifetime.
One of our member’s Daniella has a four years old daughter Ella, who inherited her Mother’s love for singing. They sing “Silent Night” every night before bed so I talked to them both about bringing Ella on stage at one of our shows to have her sing along with us. I saw my opportunity last week at our biggest show of the Season. There were hundreds in the audience and we put Ella on stage and she gave her first performance ever with zero fear, she even waved out to her friends. Meanwhile, her mother was on stage trying to hold it together.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.trebleinparadiseacappella.com
- Instagram: @trebleinparadiseacappella
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/trebleinparadiseacappella
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLeQmVvS2BJSsGMdHbJXlRw
Image Credits:
Logo Design by Loni Pryor Design Co IG @lonipryordesigns
Jim Hong Photography
