Music Central

This article is about a men's chorus. For the software product, see Microsoft Music Central.

Music Central
Origin	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Genres	Swing, jazz, gospel, folk, barbershop
Years active	1995–present
Website	musiccentralokc.org

Music Central is a barbershop chorus based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; it was formed in 1995^[1] with the goal of being a competitive, exciting, and fun chorus.

Music Central consists of men from various walks of life who are interested in the barbershop style. Very few of them have formal music training outside Music Central. Music Central has, however, placed a lot of importance on a commitment to excellence.^[2]

Music Central produces two major performances per year. They also perform for various functions, civic groups, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Arts Council of Oklahoma. Quartets formed within Music Central provide entertainment throughout the year,^[3] including the delivery of Singing Valentines on Sweetheart Day. The chorus performs a variety of styles of music from swing, jazz, gospel, folk songs, show tunes, and barbershop.

Music Central is an award winning chorus. Since its inception in 1995, the chorus has won the Division Championship for all but 2 years. They won the District Championship (5 state area) in 1998,^[4] which sent them to the International Barbershop Harmony Society contest. Music Central ranked as one of the top 20 choruses in the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1999.

Music Central is directed by Larry Thomason and Mark Wynn, music educators and vocal teachers.^[3] Vocal coaches are also brought in periodically from outside the chorus. Methods and techniques in vocal production are provided to help members grow as a chorus as well as individual singers.

Music Central is part of the Barbershop Harmony Society,^[2] formerly known as the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of BarberShop Quartet Singing in America or SPEBSQSA. They compete at society competitions all around the nation.

As part of the Barbershop Harmony Society, Music Central is known as the "Central Cities" chapter within the NorthEast division of the SouthWestern District.^[5] Music Central most recently won the NorthEast division competition on March 3, 2007 in Shreveport, LA and competes at the District level the last weekend of October in Little Rock, AR. In 1999 Music Central was able to compete at the international level because of winning the District competition in 1998.

Music Central sings a variety of different songs and music. They have sung Beach Boys music, music from different musicals, religious, jazz, and many other styles.

References

1. ^ Holdeman, Mark. "Golden Memories". www.harmonize.com. Barbershop Harmony Society Southwestern District. http://www.harmonize.com/swdbbshop/Golden_Memories/69.html. Retrieved 2008-08-05. ^{[dead link]}
2. ^ ^{a b} "Mission Statements: A Key Step in Charting Your Chapter's Future". www.barbershop.org. Barbershop Harmony Society. 2002-05-22. http://www.barbershop.org/web/groups/public/documents/pages/pub_cb_00070.hcsp. Retrieved 2008-08-05. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Gilmore, Joan (1998-05-29). "Nichols Hills gardens". The Journal Record (Oklahoma City). CNET Netwoks. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_19980529/ai_n10119658. Retrieved 2008-08-06. 
4. ^ "SouthWestern District Chorus Champions". swd.org. SouthWestern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. http://www.swd.org/History/listSWDchorusChamps.aspx. Retrieved 2008-08-06. 
5. ^ "SWD – Chapter/Chorus Details". swd.org. SouthWestern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. http://www.swd.org/TheSWD/showChapter.aspx?CID=9309. Retrieved 2008-08-06.