Chapter Leadership
Aaron Dale - Artistic Director
Contact: executivedirector@kyvocalunion.org
Aaron has been the musical director of the Kentucky Vocal Union since its formation in 2006, and is the primary arranger and artistic director behind the group. He lives in Elizabethtown, Kentucky with his wife, Samantha, and four children. He is employed as an elementary music educator in the Hardin County public school system. Aaron holds a Bachelor degree in Music Education from the University of Kentucky, where he was a percussionist. He also has a Masters of Arts degree in Special Education from Campbellsville University.
Aaron has been an a cappella enthusiast since high school, and joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1991. He was the lead of the 2008 Cardinal District Champs, 65 South, and served as a certified Music judge for the BHS from 2004 to 2013. Aaron has been a coach and musical advisor for vocal groups world-wide, and is a highly sought after arranger of acappella/barbershop music. His vocal arrangements have been commissioned and performed by groups from every corner of the world, including such artists as O.C. Times, Crossroads, the Westminster Chorus, Vocal Spectrum, Realtime, Tim Waurick, The Masters of Harmony Chorus, State Line Grocery, The Vocal Majority Chorus, Vocal FX (New Zealand), Ladies First (Germany), The Old Joes Choir (Sri Lanka), and many others. In addition to directing the KVU, Aaron directed the Louisville Times Chorus from 2001-2004, and has conducted high school, middle school, and elementary school choral ensembles.
As a percussionist, Aaron has performed with several ensembles over the years including the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, and Blue Steel-Professional Steel Drum Band. In 1992 he marched with the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps. Aaron has arranged and written music for various high school marching bands over the years, and has been conductor for elementary and high school percussion ensembles. He has percussion compositions published by Row-Loff productions and Tapspace Publications. Aaron's percussion background is evident in many of his rhythmically diverse vocal arrangements.
Aaron has been the musical director of the Kentucky Vocal Union since its formation in 2006, and is the primary arranger and artistic director behind the group. He lives in Elizabethtown, Kentucky with his wife, Samantha, and four children. He is employed as an elementary music educator in the Hardin County public school system. Aaron holds a Bachelor degree in Music Education from the University of Kentucky, where he was a percussionist. He also has a Masters of Arts degree in Special Education from Campbellsville University.
Aaron has been an a cappella enthusiast since high school, and joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1991. He was the lead of the 2008 Cardinal District Champs, 65 South, and served as a certified Music judge for the BHS from 2004 to 2013. Aaron has been a coach and musical advisor for vocal groups world-wide, and is a highly sought after arranger of acappella/barbershop music. His vocal arrangements have been commissioned and performed by groups from every corner of the world, including such artists as O.C. Times, Crossroads, the Westminster Chorus, Vocal Spectrum, Realtime, Tim Waurick, The Masters of Harmony Chorus, State Line Grocery, The Vocal Majority Chorus, Vocal FX (New Zealand), Ladies First (Germany), The Old Joes Choir (Sri Lanka), and many others. In addition to directing the KVU, Aaron directed the Louisville Times Chorus from 2001-2004, and has conducted high school, middle school, and elementary school choral ensembles.
As a percussionist, Aaron has performed with several ensembles over the years including the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, and Blue Steel-Professional Steel Drum Band. In 1992 he marched with the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps. Aaron has arranged and written music for various high school marching bands over the years, and has been conductor for elementary and high school percussion ensembles. He has percussion compositions published by Row-Loff productions and Tapspace Publications. Aaron's percussion background is evident in many of his rhythmically diverse vocal arrangements.
Michael O'Brien - President
Contact: michael.obrienkvu@gmail.com
Michael started singing barbershop music when he was 16, singing with the Lafayette, Indiana chapter under the direction of his father, Mike O'Brien. A former member of the Louisville Thoroughbreds and the Louisville Times, Michael is one of the founding members of the Kentucky Vocal Union. Last year in Portland was his 11th appearance on the BHS International stage. His most rewarding experience from Barbershop is singing with his brothers, Jeremy and Josh in the KVU and placing 3rd last year in Portland! Michael lives in Jeffersonville, Indiana with his lovely wife Nancy of 25 years and daughters Haylie 19, Mallory 17, and Michael John 10.
Michael started singing barbershop music when he was 16, singing with the Lafayette, Indiana chapter under the direction of his father, Mike O'Brien. A former member of the Louisville Thoroughbreds and the Louisville Times, Michael is one of the founding members of the Kentucky Vocal Union. Last year in Portland was his 11th appearance on the BHS International stage. His most rewarding experience from Barbershop is singing with his brothers, Jeremy and Josh in the KVU and placing 3rd last year in Portland! Michael lives in Jeffersonville, Indiana with his lovely wife Nancy of 25 years and daughters Haylie 19, Mallory 17, and Michael John 10.
Don Rose - Director of Education/Lead Section Leader
Contact: Drose@barbershop.org
Mr. Rose is a retired high school music educator from the Seattle, Washington area. His groups have performed all over the United States and Canada, and he remains an active clinician and adjudicator for large group instrumental and choral contests, as well as collegiate and high school A Cappella festivals. He was honored to be named teacher of the year for the Franklin Pierce School district as well as Washington State music teacher of the year. He honored as a semi-finalist for a Grammy in Music Education, and has conducted All State bands and choirs throughout the United States.
In 2015, Don took a position as the Director of Music Education for the 22,000 member Barbershop Harmony Society, coordinating their weeklong school Harmony University at Belmont University in Nashville, as well as designing on line curriculum for educators. He is a former director and founder of several barbershop groups in the Seattle area, busy quartet singer, coach, and arranger. He is married to his sweetheart Amy, and they have two wonderful adult children, who are also teachers.
You can call him Donny.
Mr. Rose is a retired high school music educator from the Seattle, Washington area. His groups have performed all over the United States and Canada, and he remains an active clinician and adjudicator for large group instrumental and choral contests, as well as collegiate and high school A Cappella festivals. He was honored to be named teacher of the year for the Franklin Pierce School district as well as Washington State music teacher of the year. He honored as a semi-finalist for a Grammy in Music Education, and has conducted All State bands and choirs throughout the United States.
In 2015, Don took a position as the Director of Music Education for the 22,000 member Barbershop Harmony Society, coordinating their weeklong school Harmony University at Belmont University in Nashville, as well as designing on line curriculum for educators. He is a former director and founder of several barbershop groups in the Seattle area, busy quartet singer, coach, and arranger. He is married to his sweetheart Amy, and they have two wonderful adult children, who are also teachers.
You can call him Donny.
Chris Gregory - Music VP/Assistant Director/Bass Section Leader
Contact: chrisgregoryrph@gmail.com
Chris is a pharmacist who resides in Indianapolis. Chris has performed with and has been a leader within KVU for many years. He's been active in quartets within the Cardinal District, and has competed at BHS international competition with The Rooftops Quartet.
Chris is a pharmacist who resides in Indianapolis. Chris has performed with and has been a leader within KVU for many years. He's been active in quartets within the Cardinal District, and has competed at BHS international competition with The Rooftops Quartet.
Jeremy Conover - Assistant Director/Music Coach
Contact: locknring4@gmail.com
Since 2008, Jeremy has worked with Aaron to provide consistent vocal instruction that the ensemble can refer to year-round. As a certified Singing Judge for the BHS, Jeremy provides valuable insight into the BHS contest system, but also focuses on helping the KVU sing all their repertoire at a higher level. Jeremy has a Percussion and Jazz background, has been a director at international with the Terre Haute chapter, and is a three-time district quartet champ (The PURSUIT - 2010 Sunshine District Champs and International Semi-Finalist - www.thepursuitquartet.com, The Arrangement - 2006 Cardinal District Champs and International Quarterfinalist and Afterthought - 2002 Cardinal District Champ). Oh, and on top of all of that, Jeremy has performed with the KVU in nearly every contest since fall 2007! Jeremy resides with his family in Murfreeseboro, TN
Since 2008, Jeremy has worked with Aaron to provide consistent vocal instruction that the ensemble can refer to year-round. As a certified Singing Judge for the BHS, Jeremy provides valuable insight into the BHS contest system, but also focuses on helping the KVU sing all their repertoire at a higher level. Jeremy has a Percussion and Jazz background, has been a director at international with the Terre Haute chapter, and is a three-time district quartet champ (The PURSUIT - 2010 Sunshine District Champs and International Semi-Finalist - www.thepursuitquartet.com, The Arrangement - 2006 Cardinal District Champs and International Quarterfinalist and Afterthought - 2002 Cardinal District Champ). Oh, and on top of all of that, Jeremy has performed with the KVU in nearly every contest since fall 2007! Jeremy resides with his family in Murfreeseboro, TN
Bill Munn - Secretary/Treasurer
Contact: secretary@kyvocalunion.org
Bill Munn has been a member of KVU since January 2011. He has been singing in various groups for 40 years and currently sings in the Music City Chorus, KVU, and The Stereo Praise Quartet, a Southern Gospel Group in Franklin, TN. Bill and his wife Robyn live in Hendersonville, Tennessee and are empty nesters after raising 4 children. Bill is a factory representative in the state of Kentucky for 7 different manufacturers in the Home Furnishings Industry. In addition to singing, Bill and Robyn enjoy traveling, kayaking and attending concerts.
Bill Munn has been a member of KVU since January 2011. He has been singing in various groups for 40 years and currently sings in the Music City Chorus, KVU, and The Stereo Praise Quartet, a Southern Gospel Group in Franklin, TN. Bill and his wife Robyn live in Hendersonville, Tennessee and are empty nesters after raising 4 children. Bill is a factory representative in the state of Kentucky for 7 different manufacturers in the Home Furnishings Industry. In addition to singing, Bill and Robyn enjoy traveling, kayaking and attending concerts.
Steve Burke - Chorus Manager/Marketing VP
Contact: spburke60@gmail.com
Steve began singing barbershop in 2009 with The Kentuckians Chorus at the invitation of a church choir friend. Since then he has served as their Chapter President and several years on the Board of Directors. Steve enjoys chorus and quartet singing and competition within the Cardinal District, and is an active member of the Indiana Harmony Brigade. As a University of Kentucky alum, Steve has devoted his sales & marketing career to the hotel and travel industry.
Steve began singing barbershop in 2009 with The Kentuckians Chorus at the invitation of a church choir friend. Since then he has served as their Chapter President and several years on the Board of Directors. Steve enjoys chorus and quartet singing and competition within the Cardinal District, and is an active member of the Indiana Harmony Brigade. As a University of Kentucky alum, Steve has devoted his sales & marketing career to the hotel and travel industry.
Bob McFadden - Membership VP/Music Coach
Contact: rmcfadden45013@gmail.com
Bob McFadden started singing at Miami University where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He studied voice with Dr John Wabrick and was in his studio beyond college for 10 years. In 1983 he joined the Barbershop Harmony Society with the Oxford Ohio Chapter, then in 1984 became a member of the Dayton Metro Chapter becoming music director from 1985 -1990 achieving several medals in Johnny Appleseed District competitions. 1990 Bob became music director of the Cincinnati Delta Kings Chapter, who were known more for their outrageous and funny shows. It was a great fraternal chapter experience for Bob and he loved directing them for a total of 18 years.
In 1995 Bob wanted to expand his experience and learning in the BHS and entered the Judging Program in the Singing Category. Bob has been an active Singing Artistry judge now for over 20 years. Bob has also performed in international competition choruses, Southern Gateway Chorus, and The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio Chorus. The best experiences for Bob in barbershop came from being in a top notch district quartet, Heartbeat, for nearly 10 years and appearing on several chapter shows. Now Bob fulfills his craving for the continuing challenge of international competition and drives one way more than two hours for each Kentucky Vocal Union rehearsal and performance. Bob really enjoys the cutting edge and high artistic level of the Kentucky Vocal Union.
Bob McFadden started singing at Miami University where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He studied voice with Dr John Wabrick and was in his studio beyond college for 10 years. In 1983 he joined the Barbershop Harmony Society with the Oxford Ohio Chapter, then in 1984 became a member of the Dayton Metro Chapter becoming music director from 1985 -1990 achieving several medals in Johnny Appleseed District competitions. 1990 Bob became music director of the Cincinnati Delta Kings Chapter, who were known more for their outrageous and funny shows. It was a great fraternal chapter experience for Bob and he loved directing them for a total of 18 years.
In 1995 Bob wanted to expand his experience and learning in the BHS and entered the Judging Program in the Singing Category. Bob has been an active Singing Artistry judge now for over 20 years. Bob has also performed in international competition choruses, Southern Gateway Chorus, and The Alliance of Greater Central Ohio Chorus. The best experiences for Bob in barbershop came from being in a top notch district quartet, Heartbeat, for nearly 10 years and appearing on several chapter shows. Now Bob fulfills his craving for the continuing challenge of international competition and drives one way more than two hours for each Kentucky Vocal Union rehearsal and performance. Bob really enjoys the cutting edge and high artistic level of the Kentucky Vocal Union.
Kris Dunn - Director of Communications
Contact: krisdunn@gmail.com
Kris began his barbershop journey with the Louisville Times Chorus competing in the 1999 International Chorus Contest in Anaheim, CA. Since that time Kris has sung with the Louisville Thoroughbreds, Noteworthy Quartet, and most recently the Kentucky Vocal Union.
Kris is a software engineer and scout leader who enjoys spending time in the outdoors and with his family. He maintains the KVU website and various other communication platforms.
Kris began his barbershop journey with the Louisville Times Chorus competing in the 1999 International Chorus Contest in Anaheim, CA. Since that time Kris has sung with the Louisville Thoroughbreds, Noteworthy Quartet, and most recently the Kentucky Vocal Union.
Kris is a software engineer and scout leader who enjoys spending time in the outdoors and with his family. He maintains the KVU website and various other communication platforms.