Interested in Joining?

Did you sing in high school? Were you a member of a chorus or vocal ensemble in college? Do you miss those days?

Or maybe you currently sing in a church choir or classical group and would like a more challenging vocal experience with a more varied style of music.

If this describes you, then you're just the kind of guy we're looking for. The Kentucky Vocal Union is always looking for talented, energetic singers who are interested in a high level of performance.

If you (or any male singer you know) are interested in performing some fun and challenging music, feel free to visit a rehearsal any time. Consult the Schedule page for rehearsal dates and the About page for rehearsal location. Continue reading for details about how to join the KVU.

Survey and Interview

If you're interested in singing with the ensemble, you’ll receive a Potential Member Packet during your visit. This packet includes a survey that allows us to learn a little more about you. It includes the following questions:

  1. Where are you from?
  2. How did you find out about the KVU?
  3. Regarding a cappella/barbershop singing, what types of music do you enjoy? (traditional barbershop, innovative arrangements, contemporary a cappella music, pop, rock, oldies, etc.)
  4. How well do you read music? Are you an "ear learner"?
  5. Have you sung in an organized quartet or small a cappella group where you were the only person on your part (4 part, 5 part, 6 part, etc)?
  6. As the KVU dislikes the idea of recruiting or “stealing” singers from other chapters or choral groups, we always want to monitor this. Were you recruited by a KVU member to come consider joining?
  7. Have you been a member of other barbershop chapters? Which ones? How long did you sing with each? Were you in any leadership positions?
  8. Are you still a member of that chapter?   Yes   No
    If yes, are you interested in becoming a dual member with the KVU?
  9. If you joined the KVU as a dual member, how do you anticipate this affecting your standing in your other chapter?
  10. What did you like/dislike about your last or current barbershop chorus experience?
  11. Have you competed in a contest with a quartet or chorus? Which ones?
  12. What part(s) have you sung? (circle all that apply) tenor   lead   baritone   bass
    If you circled more than one part, which are you strongest on?
  13. What are your thoughts the KVU’s 100% attendance policy?
  14. What are your thoughts on rehearsals held only every other week?
  15. What are your thoughts on having music 100% memorized prior to rehearsal?
  16. If you joined the KVU, how do you see yourself involved within the organization? (ex: singer, musical leadership, board member, other, etc)

When finished with the survey, a member of the chorus would have a short chat with you to answer any questions you may have so far. As the KVU holds its members to high standards and expectations, it’s important to gauge up front whether we could potentially be a good fit for you. Based on this discussion, you may be invited to audition (in which case you will be able to take the skills audition that night if you wish). It may be suggested that you wait, or consider some things before auditioning. If this is the case, please feel free to request further help or clarification. If you still have a desire to audition, you are encouraged to consider these things, then return for another interview at another rehearsal.

Skills Audition

The skills audition could take place the same night as the Survey. It takes about 15 minutes. During this audition, you’ll be asked to sing a verse or chorus to any song that you know. This doesn’t need to be a large prepared piece, but could be a simple tune off the radio, a church or patriotic song, or anything that shows your ability to sing. We will then have you sing a few exercises to evaluate your range, how well you match pitch, your ability to demonstrate some of our basic craft, and how well you sing a harmony part with someone singing a different part in your ear.

Performance Audition

Following successful completion of the skills audition, you'll be invited to take performance audition. This is three parts: A quartet audition for the music team, a visual evaluation, and an encore quartet performance in front of the chorus.

Quartet Audition: In order to learn the song for the quartet audition, you'll receive sheet music and a learning CD for the audition song, "You're Sixteen, You're Beautiful, and You're Mine." To learn the music, listen to the song in your car, on a portable music player, or on the computer at home. At the 1st rehearsal after skills audition, you’ll perform the song in a quartet for the music team. You'll be evaluated on whether you get the words and notes 100% correct.

Visual Evaluation: Once you pass the quartet audition for the music team, a member of the visual team will take you aside for 10 minutes that same night. He will work with you on basic facial expression, and evaluate whether you can learn some of our standard chorus choreography. Performers are expected to be completely visually involved in each song. In addition, many of our songs included planned choreography that is fun and challenging. For these reasons, the visual evaluation is an important part of the audition process – a vital step to become a performer with the KVU.

When finished with the visual audition, you’ll be told you’ve passed or be told you need further visual/choreography work. If the latter is the case, you’ll be offered some suggestions for improvement, and you can be re-evaluated at the following rehearsal.

Encore Performance: Once you pass the visual evaluation, you are almost finished. The final step is to perform an encore quartet performance for the chorus. This happens the same night you pass your visual evaluation. This is more of a celebration of your successful passing of the two main parts of the audition. It gives the chorus a chance to welcome you into the group and to show their support for you.

Once you have performed your Encore Performance for the chorus, you may start learning repertoire music. But, you have a few more things to do in order to become an official member of the chapter. These are:

  • complete the two new member courses (see below) and sign membership agreement.
  • officially join the Elizabethtown chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society
  • pay Society and chapter dues or other fees (see below)

New Member Courses

New un-official members of the chapter will spend 30 minutes at the beginning of the next two rehearsals in a new member course. These courses provide more detail about our fundamentals for performance and chapter expectations and policies.

Upon completion of these two new member courses you will be asked to sign a membership agreement to show you are committed to the chapter, understand it's goals and vision, and know what is expected of you as a member.

Barbershop Harmony Society

The Kentucky Vocal Union is a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. After signing the membership agreement, you'll need to submit an application for membership, and pay Society and chapter dues. Once that's complete you'll be an official member of the Kentucky Vocal Union.

Member Expectations

Each official member the chorus/chapter is expected to adhere to the following expectations:

  • Maintain 100% attendance. With very few exceptions.
  • Memorize and prepare all music for rehearsal. Learning tracks and sheet music are provided for learning music. The chorus does not rehearse with sheet music in hand.
  • Learn and master all visual plans. This includes practicing with chorus choreography videos while at home.
  • Demonstrate outstanding member etiquette and dedication to the goals of the chorus and chapter.
  • Maintain current membership in the Barbershop Harmony Society and pay chapter dues. Chapter dues are small and help to support the annual activities of the chapter.

Unbridled Harmony