When and why did the KVU form?
October 2006 by 6 men at Aaron Dale’s home in Elizabethtown.   They wanted to form a group that would allow talented men with very busy schedules to sing – many who had not been singing for a long time because of time constraints. 

Who were the first members?
Paul Maglinger, Dan Delaney and Michael O’Brien from Louisville, Aaron Dale from Elizabethtown, Greg Hollander, Erick Hollander, Lindle Pogue, and Josh Givens all from Bowling Green / Mammoth Cave area. 

When did the chapter charter with the Barbershop Harmony Society?
March 2007

What is the purpose / vision of the KVU?
The Kentucky Vocal Union strives to:

1. Produce the highest quality of vocal music entertainment
2. Provide opportunities for members to perform at the highest possible level
3. Create a fun and educational rehearsal atmosphere where each member can enjoy himself and improve as a performer
4. Maintain a continuously fresh and diverse repertoire of vocal music from various styles and genres

We hope to make the KVU a place where members can enjoy the comraderie of singing while pushing the limits of their abilities.

How many men are members of the KVU?
Currently there are about 36 men registered as members of the chapter.

How many men attend rehearsals on a regular basis?
75% attendance is considered active in the chorus.  That is usually around 25 - 30 men at each rehearsal. 
  
How many men attend performances or contests?
Usually we have 25 - 33 men at each regular show.  Contests have always had 29 to 33 men.

Are there any men with music degrees in the KVU?
Yes.  Our director, Aaron Dale, is a music educator, and one of the assistant directors, Drew Wheaton, has a degree in music.  Read more about them on the bio page.  

Are there students in the group?
Yes.  Several college students, and a high school student or two.

Do students have to have their own transportation?
Everyone must find transportation to rehearsals (there is no magical KVU bus!), however the members are very helpful and are always willing to pick up someone who needs a ride.  This can be coordinated during rehearsal, by phone or email.

Are there any international chorus medalists or champs in the KVU?
Yes.  We've had men sing with the KVU who won chorus medals and championships with other groups.

Are there any district quartet medalists or champs in the KVU?
There are several district quartet medalists and champs in the KVU.   

Where do members of the KVU work?
KVU members are employed as fast-food workers, retail, doctors, attorneys, anesthesiologists, pharmacists, and government workers.....to name a few.

Are there any restrictions (age, etc) to someone joining the KVU?
No.  There are no age, weight, or other physical restrictions to someone joining the KVU.  Anyone who is capable of passing the vocal and visual audition can join.  The ensemble tends to be comprised of younger men (mostly under 50) primarily because the audition does require a person’s voice to fit into the current ensemble sound with no “obstructions” in the sound they produce.  The KVU has a very clean and youthful sound, but that does not mean a person has to be young to fit in. 

Do I have to have professional singing or music experience?
No.  We have had men in the KVU who have only sung in church choir, or even just in the shower. 

Do I have to read music to sing with the KVU?
No.  In fact, most of our members do not read music, or read only a little. 

Do I have to prepare anything for the audition?
Not for the first portion of the audition.  After you pass the first part, you will prepare a song to sing in a quartet, and a solo of your choice.  Read about the audition for more info.  

What is the audition process?
The audition is comprised of 4 parts which can be completed as quickly as you are ready.

1.     Vocal evaluation – We’ll have you sing some scales, match pitches, and we’ll assess your ability to hear and sing simple harmony for a few words.   

2.     Solo – You’ll sing the verse and/or chorus of a song of your choice as a solo. This could be a church or popular song, or other barbershop/acappella song you know the melody to – not a harmony part.

3.     Quartet evaluation – You’ll be given a song to learn your part and sing in a quartet for the chorus.  You’ll have an opportunity to practice with your quartet prior to singing for the group. 

4.     Visual evaluation – A member of our visual team will teach you some basic choreography and watch you move.  This is essentially to determine your basic ability to visually perform with the KVU. 

When and how often do you rehearse?
Unlike other groups, the KVU rehearses just every other Thursday night from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. This schedule seems to allow those with busy schedules, families, and other commitments to still enjoy singing in their lives. High member expectations and a lighter schedule tend to attract people from all over Kentucky and surrounding states.  Prior to larger performances and competitions, the group rehearses every week for a designated period of time.  The chorus will often take a hiatus near the end of the year to give the members a break at the holidays.

Where do you rehearse? 
Currently the chorus rehearses at the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church
903 Fairdale Road  
Fairdale, KY  
40118
(visit the Rehearsal Location page for more information)

Do you do retreats and how often?
The chorus holds several Saturday retreats throughout the year.  There is usually never more than one in a month, and they typically last until 5 p.m. (with a couple going all day).  

Do you utilize warm-ups?
Rehearsals are pretty similar to those of other a cappella groups and men's choirs. The KVU utilizes vocal warm-ups to help each singer prepare for the rehearsal and to hear the ensemble sound.

Do you sing on risers or stand on the floor?
The ensemble almost always rehearses and performs on risers. 

Do you use sectionals or other small group activities?
Each rehearsal the chorus works on current repertoire, practices choreography and visual performance, and enjoys fun small group activities.  Often this includes random quartets, small group competitions, and solo opportunities.  Rehearsals are structured and organized to ensure we get the most of our time together.  We often rehearse in sections to solidify notes and clarify unique musical moments part to part.

Who is in charge and ensures rehearsals run smoothly?
The director and assistant directors run the rehearsal, and the Chorus manager (Program VP) runs the overall chapter meeting.  

Do members take rehearsals serious?
We expect all members to take the KVU serious.   Members must be prepared with all required music and choreography memorized - lack of preparation is not an option. The leadership works to ensure each member's experience is enjoyable and worth their time - something they won't forget (and won't ever want to miss)!  

How does the chorus treat the musical and administrative leadership?
We demand that members respect the director, assistant directors, section leaders, visual team, and board members when they are addressing the chorus.  This is vital to running successful rehearsals and performances. 

What is the policy for members talking or interjecting on the risers?
This includes being silent on the risers until specific times to speak

Are all members encouraged to share their opinions?
Yes.  Members should feel free to offer suggestions or ideas to the director or leadership.  
However, these suggestions should not be made during rehearsal time, but instead during a break or after rehearsal.

How are conflicts and rehearsal discipline handled?
The members are expected to be mature and respectful during rehearsal.  If a person becomes an issue from interrupting rehearsal, one of the assistant directors will handle the situation.   

How often do I need to attend in order to perform with the KVU?
We obviously want every man to attend every event 100% of the time.  That is the ultimate goal and expectation.  However, to perform on an upcoming show, we require a member to have attended 75% of all rehearsals during a specific time period  (January through June, etc).  

Am I rewarded for attending more often?
Obviously you become more prepared from attending rehearsals.  However, the chapter tries to provide financial assistance to special performances/contests when possible.  The higher your percentage of attendance, the greater amount of financial assistance you would receive (when available).

Are there consequences for missing rehearsal?
The KVU does hold members accountable for being prepared.  
Those who miss rehearsal need to do two things:

1)  Make-up what was missed. This can be done many ways, including:  watching video, or listening to audio from the missed rehearsal; talking with their section leader to get caught up; working with other KVU members on another night.  

2)  Demonstrate they are caught up.  This can be done by creating an audio or video recording of what was missed at rehearsal (changes, run throughs of a song, etc)

If I miss rehearsals, is there a chance to make it up?
Extra rehearsals are rarely planned.  The only way to make up a rehearsal is on your own (see the question above).

Are there any “mandatory” or “deal breaker” rehearsals/performances?
Often, the chorus will plan mandatory retreats and/or dress rehearsals prior to shows or contests.   These are planned far in advance to allow everyone ample opportunity to plan to be there.

What happens if I’m running late to rehearsal?  
Come to rehearsal anyway!  Wait patiently for a break in rehearsal, then jump on up! 
If you're consistently late to rehearsal, it will eventually affect your preparation.  However, planned "late arrivals" can often be worked around if discussed previously with the KVU leadership. 

If I have to leave early from a rehearsal, what do I do?
Leave quietly.  Be sure to get caught up on anything you missed prior to the next rehearsal.   If you consistently leave early, it will eventually affect your preparation.  However, planned "early departures" can often be worked around if discussed previously with the KVU leadership.

If I leave early or arrive late, will that affect my attendance status?
Yes, but only if it becomes a re-occuring problem that was not discussed previously.

Are retreats mandatory?
With our light rehearsal schedule, we want everyone to attend everything, all the time.  However, some retreats and rehearsals are mandatory, while others are less of a worry if you can't make it.

What happens if I only make half of a rehearsal or retreat?   How does that affect my attendance status?
Preparation is vital.  If you miss half a rehearsal or retreat, you are missing alot of work.  If it happens consistently, your preparation will be reviewed by the music team.  75% is the standard.  If you can't make that amount of rehearsals, then you have to be putting in extra work at home. 
 
Why do you practice so long on retreat days/weekends?
We make huge strides when the full group is together for long periods of time.  Retreats allow for repeated work on music that can be reinforced over and over again.

How do you select music?
The director selects music along with help from the music team and suggestions from members. The KVU repertoire includes new and original a cappella arrangements from a wide range of musical styles, including pop, rock, and country hits, swing and big band tunes, doo-wop and oldies, and barbershop standards. Throughout the year, the KVU musical leadership strives to maintain a well-rounded repertoire that is both entertaining for audiences and enjoyable for the membership.  The KVU is constantly learning new and challenging songs to perform anywhere at any time.

Who creates your arrangements?
Most arrangements are created by the KVU musical director, Aaron Dale.   

Do you ever learn music with instrumental accompaniment?
Not yet. 

How do you learn music?
We utilize part predominant learning tracks that can be downloaded or burnt to a CD.  We also provide members with sheet music to read as needed when learning their part.  

Do I have to purchase my own music?
No.  Music fees are covered in your chapter dues.

Where do I get music from the chorus?
All sheet music and learning tracks are available for download on the KVU members only website.  See Dan Delaney for access to this area. 

How often do you perform throughout the year?
The chorus performs whenever possible, but primarily two main shows a year - a Prelude to the Holidays Show in November/December, and a show in the spring .  

Do you perform other shows, local gigs, or for parties, etc?
The KVU occasionally performs local gigs as members are available.  The chorus will also appear as occasional guest performers on other barbershop chapter shows.

What competitions do you attend?
The KVU attends district and international conventions and competitions held by the Barbershop Harmony Society.  The group is eager to participate in other vocal contests as opportunities arise. 

Is there a visual audition?
Yes.  See the section about the audition.   

Do I have to have dance experience or be able to dance well?
No.  However, you must have a generally good sense of rhythm and balance.  You also must be willing to learn and do what is asked visually - which often includes some intricate choreography.  The visual team works to help each member become the best possible visual performer

Are your front row members professional dancers?
No.   Except for James Pennington who once danced simultaneously for Chippendales and the Rockettes.

Do you have a visual “team” that works with the members and coaches to teach the KVU?
Yes.  The visual team is comprised of Dan Delaney, Josh O'Brien, James Pennington, and Aaron Dale.  
Who creates your choreography?   
Most recently Shannon Mitchell choreographed two contest songs.  We worked with Theresa Weatherbee for several years.  Both of their bios can be found on the coaches page.

Who teaches your visual plan?
The visual team works with the choreographer and other performance coaches to create, teach, and refine the visual performance for various songs in the repertoire.  Coaches will often work solely on visual elements for several hours during retreats, while visual team members will often address and teach the chorus for shorter periods of time during regular rehearsals.   They are treated as directors for the group.  

What does the chorus wear for performance?
The KVU typically wears a suit, tie, and tux shoes as a "Class A"  uniform.  The Class A uniform changes periodically based on the type of show or songs we are performing - especially around contest time.

Do I have to purchase a uniform in order to sing with the KVU?
Yes. 

Is there any way of getting financial assistance to purchase the uniform(s)?
If money is an issue, discuss it with the president to see if any financial assistance is available.  Sometimes members donate funds to help others in need.

Do I wear a uniform to rehearsals?
We ask members to wear their black KVU T-shirt to rehearsals, however it is not currently a requirement.   For specific rehearsals we will ask men to wear the t-shirt or other uniform items (jackets, tux shoes, etc)

Do I have to wear make-up?
Not often!   We only wear stage make-up at big performances where it would be beneficial.

What is the highest the KVU has placed at international competition?
6th place in Kansas City 2011.  Prior to that they placed 13th in Anaheim 2009, and 10th in Nashville 2008.

What are the lowest and highest scores the KVU has received?
Overall highest score was an 88.7 in Kansas City.   Overall lowest score was 79.7 at the fall 2007 Cardinal District Contest.  

How many times hast the KVU qualified for BHS international competition?
4 times - 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011

Has the KVU performed for any very prestigious or nationally acclaimed event 
In September 2011 members of the KVU performed in a combined mens chorus to honor Medal of Honor recipients in Louisville, Kentucky.  

Do you teach members to sing, or do I have to know how to sing before joining?
Potential members should be able to sing while staying in key, have a clear tone, and sing harmony while staying on your part to join the KVU.  We teach people who like to sing to sing better.    

Do you teach men to read music?
During regular rehearsals, we currently do not teach basic music reading skills.  Members pick up alot from looking at music and helping each other.

What are the basic vocal skills you teach the members?
Relaxed tension-free singing;  Using the breath to support the tone; Mixing the use of the headtone and chest voice; accuracy of pitch, vowel targets, and placement;  Connected singing through diphthongs and other word sounds; tuning.

How does KVU vocal techniques compare with those of the classical or pop world?
Very similar.  The primary difference centers around hard word sounds and some vowel targets that we sing more "conversationally".

Why do you bring in coaches to teach the chorus?
Outside coaches/instructors provide help in their areas of expertise.  Coaches help develop songs, teach technique, and refine singing skills.
 
Why do you call them “coaches”?
They work with us like a coach does a team.  They are there to teach and motivate the chorus.

Who are your coaches?
See the About/Coaches page for a list of our coaches.

What does it cost per year to sing with the chorus?
The primary expense as a member includes:
Chapter dues (see below)
BHS dues (@ $135/year)
Uniform purchase (varies year to year)
Your travel, food, and lodging for various events (varies depending on shows/contests we attend)

How do I pay BHS dues?
The chapter treasurer and secretary can tell you the process.  However, it can be done online or mailed in.

Are there separate or inclusive chorus/chapter dues?
Chorus dues are $120 per year ($10/month).  We now offer our members the convenience of paying their chapter dues through PayPal.

Is there a student discount?
Students can get a discount through the BHS.  The KVU secretary can help with this.

Can I pay per month?
After the first year, BHS dues can be paid monthly.  

Can I pay online or by Credit Card?   
Yes.  BHS and KVU dues can all be paid online by credit card.  Speak with the KVU secretary or treasurer to learn how.

How does the chapter board operate?
The board meets regularaly (typically once a month) to make decisions for the chorus/chapter.

How does the musical leadership operate?
The music/performance team is led by the director.  They meet before or after rehearsals, and communicate online through email and audio/video chats (skype, etc). 

Can I get involved with the musical leadership?
Yes.  However, the musical leadership is primarily chosen by the director, with the exception of the Music VP which is an elected position.

Can I get involved with the administrative leadership (board) of the chapter?
Yes.  Elections are held annually.

Who edits the KVU website?  
Various members edit the website.  Dan Delaney is the primary caretaker.

How is the email list managed?   
Dan Delaney manages the KVU email list.  Email addresses are sent to him to be added.

Is it difficult to sing without instruments?
Not really.  The primary difficulty comes with staying on your part while other men sing different parts.

Why don't you use piano or other accompaniment?
There are many vocal ensembles in the world that use accompaniment of some sort, but the KVU chose to be an acappella group - primarily because the initial founding members have a love for it.

Visit http://www.barbershop.org/about.html  for information on the barbershop style.