About the Kentucky Vocal Union

The Kentucky Vocal Union is committed to the highest level of individual and ensemble vocal musical performance. It was created to allow a challenging and supportive atmosphere for singers who want to continually push the limits of their performance abilities.

Despite each member being at a slightly different level, we strive for perfection as an ensemble. We are all committed to the same musical goals and desires, and will work to ensure all who join us are just as committed.

Musical Repertoire

The KVU performs new and original a cappella arrangements of various styles of music. This includes pop, rock, and country hits, swing and big band tunes, doo-wop and oldies, and barbershop standards. Most arrangements are created by the KVU musical director, Aaron Dale.

Rehearsals

Unlike other groups, the KVU generally rehearses only every other Monday throughout the year. This format allows for those with busy schedules, families, and other commitments to still enjoy singing in their lives. High member expectations and a light schedule tend to attract people from all over Kentucky (with a few from Indiana).

Rehearsals are pretty similar to what you would see in other chapters. The KVU utilizes vocal warm-ups, rehearses in sections, works on current repertoire, practices choreography and visual performance, and enjoys fun quartet activities. Rehearsals are organized to ensure we get the most of our time together.

Performance and Competition

The chorus performs several times a year. This includes presenting an annual show, performing in the community, and attending conventions and competitions held by the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Despite a strong focus on competition, (which is an exciting avenue of performance), the chorus maintains a well-rounded repertoire. The KVU is constantly learning new and challenging a cappella arrangements from many genres to perform any where at any time. When we are not performing, we treasure our rehearsal experiences and the pure enjoyment of singing good music with friends.

About the Director

Aaron Dale lives in Elizabethtown, Kentucky with his wife and three children. He is employed as an elementary music educator in the Hardin County public school system. Aaron earned a Bachelor degree in Music Education from the University of Kentucky, where he was a percussionist. He later earned a Masters of Arts in Special Education from Campbellsville University.

Aaron has been an a cappella enthusiast since high school. He joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1991, and has been a performer, director, coach, and musical advisor for various groups over the years. Aaron is a certified Music judge for the Barbershop Harmony Society, and is a highly sought after arranger for quartets and choral groups world-wide. His arrangements have been commissioned and performed by such groups as O.C. Times, the Westminster Chorus, Vocal Spectrum, Realtime, The Masters of Harmony Chorus, State Line Grocery, and many others.

As a percussionist, Aaron has performed with several ensembles over the years including the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, and Blue Steel-Professional Steel Drum Band. In 1992 he marched with the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps. Aaron has arranged and written music for various high school marching bands over the years, and has had percussion compositions published by Row-Loff productions. His percussion background is evident in many of his rhythmically complex vocal arrangements. He holds the current state record for blindfolded underwater pole-vaulting.