In early July, Voices of Gotham traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to compete against the best barbershop choruses in the world in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s annual International Convention and Competition. This year we placed 10th against one of the deepest field of competitors in recent memory. Additionally, the Nashville quartet contest included VoG members both seasoned and new to the International Competition.
Voices of Gotham’s contest set included “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory arranged by our in-house arranger Matt Gallagher, and a “Get Your Happy Days On” medley of “Get Happy,” “Happy Days are Here Again,” and “Shaking the Blues Away.” We were fortunate enough to be one of the final competitors of the day, so the Bridgestone Arena was almost completely packed when we took the stage.
In addition to VoG’s performance in the chorus competition, VoG members Brian Lindvall and Nick Gordon both competed in the quartet contest in their respective quartets, Frank the Dog and Quorum. Brian’s quartet, Frank the Dog, placed 28th, and Nick’s quartet, Quorum, made it all the way to the final round, finishing 7th.
While we had much to celebrate on our own, we were extremely proud to represent the Mid-Atlantic District in Nashville. This year our district fielded fours choruses and six quartets—more groups than any other district in the Barbershop Harmony Society. Being a part of such a competitive district is key to our continued success as a chorus and organization. We're looking forward to competing again in September at the Mid-Atlantic District competition, and for future performances in the Greater New York City.
Many thanks to the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Mid-Atlantic District, and most of all, our friends, families, and fans for their continued support throughout the year. (Photo credit Barbershop Harmony Society / Lorin May)