Greetings current KVU members-
Las Vegas 2017 International, here we come. This is the most exciting moment of the year for the Kentucky Vocal Union as we begin a journey to boogie down in the lights of Las Vegas in July!
Current members, let’s be real….
Inconsistent KVU leadership led to inconsistent experiences for our members. With so few rehearsals, we owe it to our members to be ultra organized and clear. We anticipate these standards that we SAID we would do over the years will bother a few of our members, but the goal is not to push out guys… the goal is to have standards, do what we say, and ensure everyone has a great experience. Your KVU leaders can and will do better by being clear, transparent and consistent about our member requirements. All we can say is we have changed and hope to prove this to you by our actions. If you decide to sign up for the run to Vegas, we will share more.
We have set the schedule for rehearsals, music, and choreo development for the Vegas Tour 2017. Our goal is to be the largest we have ever been because we know the stability of the chorus sound is better with 60 guys than with 30 guys. The tour consists of all rehearsals scheduled from April 7th to July 8th including performances in Scottsdale and Las Vegas. We have added this Scottsdale performance because we learned a lot in our run to Portland in 2012. If you were with us, you remember we were energized by multiple performances of the set for a wildly enthusiastic barbershop crowd… the type we will have in Arizona. We will be together 3-4 days before most choruses, giving us far more rehearsal time and musical ramp up without the distractions of home. The difference between the Saturday show in Seattle and the Portland contest performance was, well, significant! Mostly, it was incredibly fun and we were able to share our set with other barbershoppers who viewed us as rock stars. That’s why we know this is the right call for KVU this time… especially with Scottsdale being driveable to Vegas.
The chorus is growing quickly, with our goal to be the largest we have ever been on stage. We need your commitment to the schedule by February 1st. We have a much shorter rehearsal schedule than other top level choruses. We maintain a high threshold of intense work and solid attendance. Everyone must strive to make each and every rehearsal. Go to our website and find Vegas Tour 2017 for all the specific information and a link to the date commitment survey.
Ready to say yes? Take your first step and fill out the Vegas Tour Application Here ---> www.kyvocalunion.org
***Below is the time line requirements for all who are planning to compete in Las Vegas.***
KVU 2017 VEGAS TOUR
updated 12-22-16
TIME REQUIREMENTS
2017 Vegas Tour is April 7 through July 8
Rehearsals
Must attend 15 out of 18 blocks of rehearsals
(a rehearsal block is 3 hours)
April 7 Friday (1 block)
April 14 Friday (1 block)
April 15 Saturday (3 blocks)
April 28 Friday (1 block)
May 12 Friday (1 block)
May 13 Saturday (3 blocks)
May 19 Friday (1 block)
May 26 Friday (1 block)
June 9 Friday (1 block)
June 10 Saturday (3 blocks)
June 16 Friday (1 block)
June 23 Friday (1 block)
All members will receive private vocal instruction
conducted by chorus coaches/directors
could be individually or in small groups of three's and fours
dates will be provided to select
Performances:
Mandatory attendance at the Scottsdale, Arizona show, Saturday July 1
First rehearsal in Scottsdale at 12:00 noon, Saturday July 1
Las Vegas International Convention and Chorus competition - July 2-8
REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
Tour members must learn all repertoire and choreography
Approximately 6-8 songs (that includes the contest music)
Learning tracks will be made available in January.
Choreography must be learned on your own outside of rehearsals as required, through online videos provided.
Choreography videos will be made available once prepared
Repertoire and Choreography Accountability:
Song Qualifying – All members will qualify on each song in the repertoire. Members will know due dates for theses qualifying tests in advance. This could be done live, or audio or video recording submitted to section leaders.
Choreography Qualifying - tour members will demonstrate they know choreography.
APPLICATION
All candidates must complete an online application to be reviewed by the board/music team.
Completed applications are reviewed by the board/music team.
A leadership member will contact candidates to discuss rehearsals they will make (out of 18) and make any adjustments.
Applications are handled case-by-case.
Many factors will be weighed, including the person’s chorus/quartet experience, and how committed and dedicated they have been in the past.
Candidates who can make 15 of 18 blocks will be approved for the tour.
CONTRACT
Tour members must sign a contract to show their commitment to the chapter expectations and desires.
The contract will state the number of blocks they WILL attend (out of 18 blocks). p. 3
AUDITION
All non-members must audition to be considered for the tour.
DUES and FEES
All Tour members must:
pay at least ½ of chapter dues at the time they sign the contract. (Dues are $120 total)
pay the remaining balance no later than March 1st.
be paid members of the BHS
purchase a full registration for the 2017 Las Vegas International Convention
purchase/obtain all required uniform items
secure your own transportation and lodging for all events.
unless previously decided the chapter officially decides to cover these expenses
If you wish to do this online you can use the Donate button below:
ATTENDANCE ACCOUNTABILITY
Beginning April 7, attendance and preparation will be tracked to help each man and the chorus as a whole to continually improve.
We hope all members maintain solid attendance and preparation as to stay qualified for performance with the group.
As needed, members will receive guidance to help them improve their attendance and/or performance.
Sincerely,
Your Kentucky Vocal Union Leadership Team
Michael O'Brien, President
Aaron Dale, Immediate Past President, Artistic Director
Bill Munn, Secretary, Treasurer
Steve Burke, Chorus Manger, Marketing VP
Don Rose, Director of Education, Lead Section Leader
Chris Gregory, Music VP, Assistant Director, Bass Section Leader
Jeremy Conover, Assistant Director, Music Coach
Bob McFadden, Membership VP, Music Coach
Chad St. John, Baritone Section Leader, Music Coach
J.J. Hawkins, Baritone Section Leader
Dan Delaney, Member at large, visual coach
Josh O'Brien, Member at large, Lead Section Leader
Jeremy O'Brien, Member at large