Robert Semple Elementary staff members (Left to right) Tony Johnson, Hale Burckin, Matt Shelton, Keith Doran and Joe Farrell won for their five-song medley at last year’s Teacher Lip Sync Battle. (Photo courtesy of Matt Shelton)

(This post has been updated from the print edition.)

Lip-syncing in music is often frowned upon (See: Milli Vanilli), but when it is turned into a competition, everybody wants to be a part of it. Lip-sync competitions certainly have become a sensation in the past couple of years. While simply mouthing the words to popular songs may not seem like it takes a lot of skill, it actually is quite a challenge to not only make the lip movements match with the words but also make it entertaining. However, lots of people have managed to attempt this challenge, and it has proven successful. Perhaps you have seen celebrities squaring off against Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show,” or maybe even the Paramount Network competition series “Lip Sync Battle,” hosted by LL Cool J and Chrissy Teigen. Now the concept has come to Robert Semple Elementary School for the second year in a row, as faculty members square off in the school’s Teacher Lip Sync Battle.

The event, which is coordinated by fifth-grade teacher Kendra Petrellese and fourth and fifth-grade combination teacher Matt Shelton, acts as a fundraiser for the school’s Outdoor Education Program for fourth and fifth graders. Both classes go to Coloma for three days and two nights, where the fourth graders go by Sutter’s Mill and learn about the Gold Rush, different mining techniques and how the early settlers made cornbread. They also gather around a campfire to hear a Native American speaker share stories and beliefs. Fifth-graders take part in a science program, consisting of a ropes course and lessons on plants, ecosystems and the habitats of different wildlife.

Shelton said the event is a great experience for students but comes with a high price tag.

“The cost is usually what hurts us the most because we’re a Title I school, and a lot of families struggle to afford the $250 cost for the trip,” he said. “We do everything we can to fundraise as much as possible.”

Staff had to come up with a fun event to raise money for the program. They thought about doing a teacher talent show, but Shelton figured a lip-sync competition would be less aggressive than to have teachers perform. The first event was a huge success, with groups of teachers miming medleys of Disney songs and performing to such crowd favorites as Bill Haley & the Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock,” The Village People’s “YMCA” and Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” Shelton was part of the winning group, in which five different teachers sang a medley of five different songs, including Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll.” The event raised $1,500.

Semple teachers are hoping to repeat the success this year. Twenty-four Semple faculty members are slated to take part— including Principal Christina Moore— as they “sing” instantly recognizable hits. Shelton said the setlist this year includes Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” Katy Perry’s “Roar” and a mashup of various TV show themes. One group of female teachers will perform a rendition of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,” titled “All the Semple Ladies.” Shelton said one performance would feature guitars, accordions and maracas.

“We’re gonna put a little show on,” he said.

Shelton said the event is a big hit with parents and students who get to see another side of their teachers.

“Any time you get teachers up there performing and seeing them a little out of their element or comfort level, the students go crazy for it,” he said. “Any time you get together outside of the norm, it’s always fun and exciting. There’s a lot of energy in the room.”

The Teacher Lip Sync Battle will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 at Robert Semple, located at 2015 East 2nd Street. Donations will be taken at the door, and refreshments like popcorn, fruit smoothies and baked goods will be available to purchase. Donations of baked goods will also be accepted to be sold at the event. For more information, email Shelton or Petrellese at mshelton@beniciaunified.org or kpetrellese@beniciaunified.org.

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