Midwest Vocal Express men’s a cappella chorus medal at Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention.


full size photo by Lorin May available at: http://www.mve.org/Images/Fish/MVEfullstage.jpg
 
(Indianapolis, IN) For the third time in the last 5 years, Greendale, WI’s Midwest Vocal Express men’s a cappella chorus has brought home a 5th Place Bronze medal from International Competition. This year’s contest took place July 7th at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, in front of a crowd of over 10,000 Barbershop Harmony Society members and fans.

Taking on roles of fish, turtles, starfish, and coral in an aquarium, the MVE sang the story of longing to be free in the deep sea. 

full size photo by Lorin May available at: http://www.mve.org/Images/Fish/MVEFishdanger.jpg

Upon witnessing the dangers of the open water, (sharks, eels, whales, barracuda) they decide their safe and friendly glass-walled confines aren't so bad after all.

The contest set contained parody lyrics to several songs including; “Son of the Sea,” “How Deep is the Ocean,” “Theme from Jaws,” and “Aquarius.”

--(more)-—


Three standing ovations were received from the enthusiastic crowd; when the curtain went up revealing the fish costumes, at the end of the first song, and at the conclusion of the set. Riotous applause continued for several minutes as the MVE took their seats, still in fish costume, to await the judges’ decision. The Barbershoparazzi swung into high gear, taking pictures with fish and turtles, and even trying the heads on for size. The photo frenzy lasted a full hour after the contest had ended, until security at Conseco Fieldhouse had to ask fans to exit the building.

Dallas (left,) son of Larry Halverson, formerly Prime Time lead, now of Stardust, tries on an MVE fish head.
Full size high-res photo by Douglas Miller available at: http://www.mve.org/images/Fish/BoyandFish.jpg


Lance Johnson of Minneapolis with MVE Turtles
Full size high-res photo by Douglas Miller available at: http://www.mve.org/images/Fish/TurtleFan.jpg

Midwest Vocal Express “My Aquarium” T-shirts are available online at www.MVE.org for just $10 plus shipping, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Harmony Foundation.
--(more)-—

MIDWEST VOCAL EXPRESS MEN’S A CAPPELLA CHORUS based in Greendale, WI, was formed in 1988 by men dedicated to a cappella musical excellence, a professional level of showmanship in their performance of the Barbershop art form, and to continue education in the unique American musical style. Under the direction of Dr. Chris Peterson and our Performance Team, the MVE continually pushes itself to new and greater levels of achievement. 

There are over 800 chapters worldwide in the Barbershop Harmony Society, and for nearly a decade, Midwest Vocal Express has finished in the Top Ten in International competition, and has held the 5th Place Bronze Medalist Chorus position three times. Past shows have had the guys as Broadway waiters, New Orleans jazz musicians, and Toy Green Army Soldiers. Proceeds from our performances help support our travel to represent Wisconsin as a top International competitor in "the Olympics of Barbershop." 

New members are always welcome. The MVE meets every Monday Night at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Greendale, WI. 

For more information visit www.MVE.org or call 1-888-240-4426

The MVE is a non-profit organization that receives Wisconsin Arts Board funding.