Press Release Archive

Although The Alliance primarily communicates through song, we do it through print, too. We thought you might like to look deeper into the workings of our organization.

Greater Central Ohio Chapter Wins Bid To 69th International Competition - 10/30/2007
Central Ohio Chorus Wins Bid to International Competition - 10/21/2006
The Singing Men of OU on Tour in Columbus on March 24 - 1/17/2006
Top Performers To Sing In “Best Of Barbershop” Aug. 6 - 7/19/2005
55-Man Chorus Presents Concert To Benefit Arts Council - 2/11/2004
Central Ohio Chorus Wins Bid to International Competition - 10/22/2002
Local Foursome Captures Silver Medal at Worldwide Harmony Festival - 7/18/2001
Local Group Finishes 10th at Worldwide Contest - 8/30/2000
Open House For Harmony - 8/27/2000
Local Quartet Gets 4th Place Bronze in World Championships - 7/10/2000
Six Groups To Represent Ohio On World Stage - 5/24/2000
Steppin' Out - An A Cappella Affair - 3/14/2000
Former Miss Ohio Will MC Inaugural Show - 2/16/2000
Local Foursome Nominated For Best New Album and Song - 2/1/2000
Mens Chorus Wins Upset Victory - 10/18/1999
New Chorus Wins Title In First Try - 4/25/1999

Columbus, Ohio – The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, an a cappella chorus under the direction of David Calland, captured top honors for an unprecedented sixth consecutive year by winning the 2007 Johnny Appleseed District (JAD) chorus contest, held in Independence, Ohio on October 27.

The Alliance has won the chorus contest seven of the nine times it has competed against choruses from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, like the 22 who competed as part of this year's JAD convention. The Alliance's victory qualifies the chorus to compete at the 69th annual international convention and contest of the Barbershop Harmony Society to be held in Nashville, TN next July. Considered the "World Series" of barbershop singing, it brings together the chorus champions from the Society's 16 districts in the United States and Canada, along with 12 'wild-card' choruses and a number of qualifying choruses representing affiliated singing organizations from around the world for a winner-take-all competition.

Calland, a Worthington resident and director of The Alliance, was modest about the accomplishment saying, "This was an remarkable achievement for The Alliance. It reflects positively on the individual dedication of the membership to our performance goals." He noted that, "Some members drive four hours each way on Thursday night" to rehearse at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Worthington.”

Calland also said, "The group's motto, In Tune With Excellence, is simply a description of what we do. We share the artistry of the music with our audience, and Saturday was just another performance opportunity."

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CENTRAL OHIO CHORUS WINS BID TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Columbus, Ohio -- The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, an a cappella chorus under the direction of David Calland, captured top honors for the second time in the group's brief four year history by winning the 2006 Johnny Appleseed District (JAD) chorus contest.

Their success over larger and celebrated groups from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio took place on Saturday, October 21, as part of the JAD convention in Parma, Ohio. The victory entitles the ensemble to compete at the 68th annual international convention and contest of the Barbershop Harmony Society to be held in Denver next July. This contest is the "World Series" of barbershop singing. It brings together the chorus champions from the sixteen Barbershop Society districts in United States and Canada, twelve wild card choruses, and a number of qualifying choruses representing affiliated singing organizations from around the world for a winner take all competition.

David Calland, Worthington resident and Director of The Alliance, was modest about the accomplishment saying, "This was an awesome achievement for The Alliance. It reflects positively on the individual dedication of the membership to our performance goals." He noted that, "Some members drive 3-hours each way on Thursday night" to rehearse at St. John's Episcopal Church in Worthington, Ohio. Calland also said, "The group's motto, In Tune With Excellence is simply a description of what we do. We share the artistry of the music with our audience, and Saturday was just another performance opportunity."
For more information about The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, visit their website at http://www.alliancechorus.org/default.asp.

For more information about the Barbershop Harmony Society, visit their website at http://www.barbershop.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2006

THE SINGING MEN OF OU ON TOUR IN COLUMBUS ON MARCH 24

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Singing Men of Ohio from Ohio University’s School of Music, under the direction of Professor Stephen Caracciolo will perform at Broad Street Presbyterian Church on Friday March 24, 2006 7:00 pm. The concert is free and open to the public.

We invite you to place this date on your calendars and encourage all students to attend this performance. We hope male choruses in the areas will also attend as a group, sit together, and be recognized at the concert!

The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio (http://www.alliancechorus.org/news.asp) will also provide information about their championship vocal arts organization at the Intermission.

For more information about the Singing Men of Ohio, visit their website at http://www.ohiou.edu/smo.

For more information about the Broad Street Presbyterian Church, visit their website at http://www.bspc.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOP PERFORMERS TO SING IN “BEST OF BARBERSHOP” Aug. 6


International champion quartet Gotcha! and The Alliance Chorus of Columbus, international bronze medalist, will be featured performers in the “Best of Barbershop” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, in Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.

Open to the public, the concert is being held in conjunction with the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Harmony College/Directors College, a weeklong intensive education program. This is the first year HCDC will be held on The Ohio State University campus.

The show also will include performances by the Harmony College and Next Generation choruses, made up of HCDC attendees who have rehearsed throughout the week.

Gotcha! reached the pinnacle of barbershop harmony competition in 2004 when they won the international quartet competition gold medal. The quartet from Southern California has performed throughout the U.S. and Canada and in Ireland on stage and in radio and television appearances and has recorded two CDs.

The Alliance Chorus is an award-winning men's a cappella chorus formed to promote the singing of four-part barbershop harmony at the highest possible level. The chorus placed fifth in the 2004 international chorus contest and sixth in the 2005 competition. It recently released its first CD.

Tickets ($15) are available through the Wexner Center for the Arts box office: 614-292-3535 (choose Option 1). Hours are: Monday through Friday from10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They also will be available through all Ticketmaster Outlets and at www.ticketmaster.com. A limited number of advance tickets ($10) is available through the Alliance Chorus website http://www.alliancechorus.org/events.asp.

High school and college students may purchase discount tickets at the box office on the day of the show for $5 with valid student ID. The box office will be open Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it will reopen at 7 p.m.

For more information about Harmony College/Directors College visit www.barbershop.org/hcdc.



About barbershop-style a cappella music: Barbershop harmony is a uniquely American musical art form. It is known for its four-part harmony and the “expanded sound” created by its unique chord structure.

About the Barbershop Harmony Society: Founded in 1938 in Tulsa, Okla., the Barbershop Harmony Society is the largest all-male singing organization in the world. There are eight official foreign affiliates of the Society, but barbershop harmony is sung in more than 40 countries including Japan, Russia and China.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2004

For more information, contact:
Sean Cooper, 431-0329


55-MAN CHORUS PRESENTS CONCERT TO BENEFIT ARTS COUNCIL
Ranked 4th in the World, The Alliance Belts it Out for the Arts


The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio will present a benefit concert for the Worthington Arts Council on Sunday, March 7, at 2 p.m. The Alliance practices each week in Worthington and approached the Arts Council with an offer of support.

Founded in 1999, The Alliance is a championship, vocal arts organization, which performs a cappella music arranged in four-part barbershop harmony as well as contemporary, jazz, traditional choral and sacred works. The Alliance’s members include men new to a cappella harmony as well as dual and former members of several celebrated chapters of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA). Under the musical leadership of David Calland, The Alliance blends the vocal talents of these men into a distinctively rich, unparalleled sound.

In its first public appearance, April 1999, The Alliance won the small chorus contest at the SPEBSQSA’s Johnny Appleseed District (JAD) Spring Preliminary convention in Columbus, Ohio. Six months later, in Canton, it captured the JAD Chorus Championship, outperforming groups twice its size. By winning, it earned the right to compete in Kansas City in July of 2000 with the best barbershop choruses from around the world. The Alliance earned 10th place honors at this World Series of Barbershop Harmony. At the district level, it finished 2nd in the 2000 and 2001 JAD contests but reclaimed the JAD Chorus Championship in 2002 and again in 2003.

The chorus has earned the right to compete at the International Contest each year since it was formed. In July 2003, the chorus reached a new high by placing 4th at the International Contest in Montreal, Canada.

Beyond its participation in competitions, The Alliance has made many public appearances and hosts an annual concert with special featured guests like Throat Culture and Rockapella. In 2000 and 2001, The Alliance shared the stage with Bill Cosby, Lionel Richie, Julie Budd, and Dionne Warwick at the United Way Celebration of Franklin County.

Like the other 800 SPEBSQSA chapters in the United States and Canada, The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization. Members of the chorus also participate in registered quartets. Among the chapter’s active quartets are Uptown Sound, MatriX, Rhythmix, You Bet!, Noteworthy, Class Ring, Wavelength, Rhythm 'n' Rhyme, Chord of Appeals and Apple Core 4.

During intermission, the Sutter Park Elementary School Peace Chorus will perform, under the direction of Brenda Leary. The performance will take place at Worthington Kilbourne High School auditorium, 1499 Hard Rd. ickets: $15/adult; $13/senior; $5/student; $35/family. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 614-431-0329.

CENTRAL OHIO CHORUS WINS BID TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Columbus, Ohio -- The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, an a cappella chorus under the direction of David Calland, captured top honors for the second time in the group's brief four year history by winning the 2002 Johnny Appleseed District (JAD) chorus contest.

Their success over larger and celebrated groups from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio took place on Saturday, October 19, as part of the JAD convention in Lima, Ohio. The victory entitles the ensemble to compete at the 65th annual international convention and contest of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA) to be held in Montreal next July. This contest is the "World Series" of barbershop singing. It brings together the chorus champions from the sixteen Barbershop Society districts in United States and Canada, four wild card choruses, and a number of qualifying choruses representing affiliated singing organizations from around the world for a winner take all competition.

David Calland, Worthington resident and Director of The Alliance, was modest about the accomplishment saying, "This was an awesome achievement for The Alliance. It reflects positively on the individual dedication of the membership to our performance goals." He noted that, "Some members drive 3-hours each way on Thursday night" to rehearse at St. John's Episcopal Church in Worthington, Ohio. Calland also said, "The group's motto, In Tune With Excellence is simply a description of what we do. We share the artistry of the music with our audience, and Saturday was just another performance opportunity."

The rest of Saturday's top five competitors were also Ohio groups. Two-time International chorus champions (1973, 1992) The Southern Gateway Chorus of Cincinnati, the Singing Buckeyes of Columbus, the Independence Chorus of Independence, and the Northwesternaires from Defiance placed second through fifth, respectively. The Heart of Ohio chapter of Columbus won the plateau "A" or small chorus honors, and Impluse, an Ohio foursome, won the quartet competition.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2001

LOCAL FOURSOME CAPTURES SILVER MEDAL AT WORLDWIDE HARMONY FESTIVAL

Columbus, OH - Uptown Sound, a local barbershop quartet, took 2nd place at the weeklong, 63rd annual International Harmony Festival held this year in Nashville, TN. The contest featured the 50 best quartets from the more than 800 local barbershop chapters in the United States, Canada, and affiliate organizations in Great Britain, Sweden, Russia, and New Zealand.

Uptown Sound formed in the summer of 1995, when four voices met informally to determine if their voices would possibly match well enough to consider driving one hour each to form a quartet. They knew they had something special when they combined their personalities and musical talents. In 1996, Uptown Sound became the Johnny Appleseed District (JAD) Quartet Champion; and over the past three years, they've gained experience on the international stage reaching the level of top-ten finalist in 1998. Last year the group finished in 4th place, and this year’s 2nd place medal moves them one step closer to their goal of a gold medal.

Their repertoire embraces many musical styles including: Barbershop, Gospel, Sixties Pop, the Big Band era, and even zany comedy tunes. Each selection bears the mark of the signature ring of Uptown Sound.

Jeff Archer (Tenor) began singing barbershop while attending Bowling Green State University (BGSU). He is a member of the Alliance of Greater Central Ohio Chapter and has sung with many JAD quartets including the Varsity Letterman and GQ. Jeff is a Real Estate Investor and works with Financial Savers Association, Inc. as a Professional Mortgage Planner in Akron, Ohio.

David Calland (Lead) is the director of The Alliance - 2000 International 10th place Barbershop Chorus. Dave, like Jeff, attended BGSU. His quartet experience includes singing with Which Wayz Up? and 1995 international quarterfinalist quartet, Ace in the Hole. Dave was also awarded the JAD "Golden Apple" Coach Of The Year Award in 1998 and is a regular faculty member at Harmony College. David is the director of this year's international top 20 chorus, The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio. David and his wife, Kim are new parents of Jamison who was born in February. David is also a stepfather to Kim's daughter, Alexa. David works as a computer systems consultant with the Franklin Computer Services Group in Columbus.

Steve Kovach (Baritone) His nickname, "Phil," not only avoids confusion with the other Steve in the quartet; it also describes the barbershop baritone's duty to "fill" the sound of the quartet. This is Steve's third quartet with David. He is a section leader and board member of The Alliance Chorus and will be a faculty member at Harmony College this year. Steve has recently taken the position of director for the Mansfield Funcenter Chordsmen He has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from - you guessed it - BGSU. Steve and his wife Kari live in Westerville and he works with Franklin Computer Services Group in Columbus as a computer systems consultant.

Steve Denino (Bass) started singing barbershop harmony with his father and two brothers in Denino's Home Grown Harmony when he was twelve. He has also sung with the 1989 JAD quartet champions Bowery Boys and the Ace in the Hole (with Dave). Steve is the only non-BGSU member of the bunch, having attending Ohio State. He is also a part of The Alliance Chorus as a bass section leader and board member. Steve and his wife Kerry are proud parents of Amanda and Nicholas (born in May of this year). He currently works as a computer systems consultant with Franklin Computer Services Group.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2000

LOCAL GROUP FINISHES 10TH AT WORLDWIDE CONTEST

KANSAS CITY, MO --- The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, a barbershop chorus from Ohio, finished in 10th place at “World Series of Barbershop Harmony” in Kansas City. The contest, which featured 22 of the best choral groups from the 800 barbershop choruses in the world, was part of the 62nd annual convention of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA).

The chorus's skill, artistry, and showmanship won over the crowd as they sang a medley of "My Romance," a Rogers and Hart tune, and "It's You," from Meridith Willson's "The Music Man." Then they put their elegant “tux and tails” attire to the test, strutting into “Steppin’ Out With My Baby.” Their crisp diction, slick footwork, and sophisticated moves brought many of folks in the arena to their feet while the rest of the crowd applauded wildly from their seats.

"We're ecstatic about our performance,” said David Calland, director of the ensemble, “and we’re even more determined to improve for next year’s contest in Nashville.

The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, which formed in January 1999, is one of 800 chapters worldwide that preserves and encourages this unique American art form.

For more information about the group call Craig Heere at 614-873-1939.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2000

OPEN HOUSE FOR HARMONY

Columbus,OH - Four part a cappella harmony, the style of music that stopped the wheels of government in “The Music Man,” will be featured at an open house and audition Thursday, September 14th at Saint John’s Episcopal Church - 700 High Street, Worthington, Ohio from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.

Ron Sykes, chapter president of The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, 1999 District Chorus Champions and 10th Place International Chorus Finalists, says, “All are welcome. The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), Inc., maintains quartet singing as an original American art form, and we'll give guests an opportunity to croon with a world-class chorus."

According to David Calland, director of the ensemble and lead of the 4th Place International Medalist Quartet, Uptown Sound, “I’ve found singing to be a great hobby and a wonderful way to unwind. Each Thursday, men with everyday voices are making wonderful music with The Alliance. If you can carry a tune and like harmony, this is the place to be.”

The chorus is preparing a new repertoire of songs for the 2001 performance season, which may include a performance in Nashville, TN in July. The invitation to would-be members as well as to the inquisitive is straightforward according to Calland, "we’ll entertain you, teach you to sing and harmonize, and we’ll provide refreshment for your body and soul. Please join us!"

For more information call Craig Heere, VP of Public Relations and Marketing at 614-873-1939.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2000

UPTOWN SOUND 4 th IN BARBERSHOP WORLD SERIES

Kansas City, Missouri - UPTOWN SOUND, a barbershop quartet from Ohio, finished in 4th place at the "World Series of Barbershop Harmony" Saturday night in Kansas City. Uptown Sound competed with 44 other quartets from around the world at the 62nd annual convention of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA).

The quartet's consummate artistry and showmanship won over the crowd, as they sang favorites such as "The Nearness of You" and "Our Love is Here to Stay."

"We're thrilled with our performance," said David Calland, lead for the foursome. We're even more determined to improve for next year's contest in Nashville," he added. Uptown Sound members Jeff Archer, tenor - Akron, OH; David Calland, lead - Columbus, OH; Steve "Phil" Kovach, baritone - Columbus, OH, and Steve Denino, bass - Grove City, OH have entertained many audiences in this area and have appeared with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

Three members of the group also sang with The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, a barbershop chorus, which finished in 10th place among 22 of the best ensembles from the 800 chapters worldwide in its first ever appearance at the annual event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2000

SIX GROUPS TO REPRESENT OHIO ON WORLD STAGE

Columbus, Ohio - The three-state Johnny Appleseed District comprised of Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA) is sending six extraordinary, a cappella groups to this year's International Barbershop Harmony Festival in Kansas City, MO. It is quite rare for any of the 16 SPEBSQSA districts from Canada and the United States to have two choruses and four quartets qualify to compete at the international convention, but Ohio is blessed with a wealth of musical talent. Representatives from the Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers (SNOBS), the Dutch Association of Barbershop Singers (DABS), and the British Association of Barbershop Signers (BABS) will join their American and Canadian counterparts to round out the field of the 23 best male choruses and 50 best quartets in world.

The Ohio groups include:

• The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio - 1999 District Small Chorus and Chorus Champions
  
• The Singing Buckeyes - 1998 District Chorus Champions, celebrating 50 years of barbershop harmony
  
• Uptown Sound - 1996 District Quartet Champions & 2 Time International Finalists
  
• Rumors - 1995 District Quartet Champions & 2 Time International Semi-Finalists
  
• Turning Point - 1998 District Quartet Champions & 2 Time International Semi-Finalists
  
• Desperado - 1999 District Quartet Champions
  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2000

STEPPIN' OUT - AN A CAPPELLA AFFAIR

Columbus, OH – On April 1, 2000 at 8:00 PM, the Vern Riffe Center - Capitol Theatre, 77 South High Street, The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio will host Steppin’ Out - An A Cappella Affair, the inaugural presentation of their annual show.

The Alliance is a new, innovative, and award winning 40-voice, male a cappella chorus dedicated to bending choral convention. In 1999, its first year in existence, The Alliance won both a small chorus contest and an open competition against choruses up to twice its size. Licensed as a chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA), the group is much more than a stereotypical barbershop chorus. Its repertoire consists of swing, glee, and other multi-part a cappella music as well as songs arranged in the traditional four part barbershop harmony style.

Besides The Alliance chorus, the show features three outstanding, a cappella quartets:

• Throat Culture is a Columbus based a cappella ensemble comprised of three men and one woman who perform an eclectic mix of songs. They have been guests on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion and Michael Feldman’s Whad’Ya Know? In addition, they have opened for national acts as varied as The Righteous Brothers, Moxy Früvous, and Dionne Warwick.
  
• Uptown Sound is an SPEBSQSA International Finalist Quartet. The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) recently nominated their CD, "So, What’s new?" for "Best New Album." One of the selections from the CD is also in the running for "Song of the Year." Locally, the quartet has performed with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.
  
• Turning Point, another fine SPEBSQSA quartet, was featured on the nationally broadcast PBS special barbershop documentary Can't Stop Singing. The quartet currently holds the rank of International Semi-Finalist in the barbershop society.
  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2000

FORMER MISS OHIO WILL MC INAUGURAL SHOW

Columbus, Ohio -- Ms. Ellen Pasturzak Spinner, MS, RN, CNP, Miss Ohio 1996, will be the guest Mistress of Ceremonies for the April 1, 2000 premier performance of The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, a new and innovative male chorus dedicated to seriously bending choral convention. Since winning her crown in 1996, Ellen has pursued a career in medicine as a certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, having earned a Master of Science degree from The Ohio State University. During her year as Miss Ohio she served the state and nation through celebrity service, volunteering, making many public speaking engagements, and providing advocacy for worthy causes including the nursing profession, drug-free living, faith and spirituality, and community-centered health care initiatives.

Ellen comes from a family of five daughters and grew up in the Appalachian village of Otway, Ohio, where her family continues to live. She is very happily married to Medline Industries medical sales representative, Scott Spinner, and is a life-long Roman Catholic currently attending the New Albany Church of the Resurrection.

Ellen now serves as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner for Women's Contemporary Health care with Dr. Frank Isabelle in Dublin, OH. She enjoys the rewarding work of providing holistic reproductive health care to women of all ages with a focus on empowering teen and young women to maintain wellness and to embrace healthy lifestyle choices. Ellen is also an active member of the Ohio Nurses Association, the ONA Government Affairs Committee, and the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses.

Steppin' Out - An A Cappella Affair will be presented April 1, 2000, at the Vern Riffe Center - Capitol Theatre at 8:00 PM. In addition to The Alliance chorus, Throat Culture, a Columbus based a cappella ensemble consisting of three men and one woman, will perform an eclectic mix of originals and covers, sharing the stage with international top-twenty barbershop quartets Uptown Sound and Turrning Point.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2000

LOCAL FOURSOME NOMINATED FOR BEST NEW ALBUM AND SONG

Columbus, Ohio -- The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA), a San Francisco based organization that promotes a cappella music of all styles, nominated Uptown Sound, a local quartet, for Best New Barbershop Album and Best Barbershop Song in 2000.

The album,"So, What's New?" released in 1999, features American classics from the Tin Pan Alley and Swing eras as well as more contemporary selections including Perfidia, and I Only Have Eyes For You. Uptown Sound's rendition of the 1936 Johnny Mercer and Matty Malneck song, Goody, Goody, was nominated for Best New Barbershop Song. Prior CASA winners include 1999 Artist of the Year, Take 6, and 1999 Best Jazz Song, Splanky, by Real Group.

Uptown Sound formed in the summer of 1995 and a year later won a regional Quartet Championship. Since then, the foursome has gained experience on the international stage, reaching the top-ten finalist plateau in 1998 and 1999. In October the quartet performed with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in its Big Band Bash, which featured Tex Beneke. Their next Columbus performance will be at the Riffle Center Capitol Theatre on April 1st as part of Steppin' Out - An A Cappella Affair.

The members of Uptown Sound include Jeff Archer (Tenor), David Calland (Lead), Steve Kovach (Baritone) and Steve Denino (Bass).

Jeff Archer started singing barbershop harmony while attending Bowling Green State University (BGSU). When he's not singing, Jeff works as a Real Estate Investor and Professional Mortgage Planner for Financial Savers Association, Inc. in Akron, Ohio. David Calland directs The Alliance chorus. Like Jeff, he attended BGSU where he majored in music education. David is a computer systems consultant with the Franklin Computer Services Group in Columbus, Ohio. Steve Kovach, nicknamed Phil, is a member and section leader of The Alliance and – you guessed it – a BGSU grad. Steve works as an appraiser for Medina County, Ohio and has a private voice studio. Steve Denino started his barbershop career when he was twelve, singing with his father and two brothers in Denino's HomeGrown Harmony. He is the only non-BGSU member of the bunch, having attended The Ohio State University. Steve also performs with The Alliance chorus and is also a bass section leader and board member. Like Dave, he works as a computer systems consultant with the Franklin Computer Services Group in Columbus, Ohio.

For information write to The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, PO BOX 303, Dublin, OH 43017 or visit our website www.alliancechorus.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 1999

MEN'S CHORUS WINS UPSET VICTORY

Columbus, Ohio -- The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, an all male, a cappella chorus, directed by Mr. David Calland, captured top honors again in an upset victory on Saturday October 16th at a regional chorus contest. In just its second competition, their first time at this level, The Alliance competed against many larger, veteran, perrenial favorites from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio winning by a narrow margin of just 9 points. Their victory earns them the right to represent their district at the next level of competition in Kansas City, Missouri in July, 2000. This international level contest brings choruses from all over the world, each representing their own district or country for what some call the "Olympics of Singing."

David Calland, Worthington resident and Director of The Alliance chorus, was matter-of-fact about it saying, "We just went on stage wanting to entertain the audience and have fun. The more enjoyment we put into our performance the more the audience gets out of it."

The chorus meets Thursday nights from 7:00-10:00 PM at St. John's Episcopal Church located at the southeast corner of Route 161 and High Street in Worthington, Ohio just north of Columbus.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 1999

NEW CHORUS WINS TITLE IN FIRST TRY

Columbus, Ohio -- The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, an all male, a cappella chorus, directed by Mr. David Calland, captured top honors, Saturday April 17th at a regional small chorus contest. In its first public appearance and competing against seven veteran groups from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The Alliance set a new record for total points in this event.

Ron Sykes, New Albany resident and President of The Alliance chorus, was ecstatic about the results of the competition. "I've sung with many groups, but this performance was truly special," he said. "Receiving a standing ovation made the first place finish even sweeter."

The chorus meets Thursday nights from 7:00-10:00 PM at St. John's Episcopal Church located at the southeast corner of Route 161 and High Street in Worthington, Ohio just north of Columbus.