Music Central
| Company type | Barbershop chorus |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, performing arts |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Fate | Merged with OK Chorale to form Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma |
| Headquarters | Oklahoma City , United States |
Area served | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
Key people | Brian Hogan (1995–2010), Larry Thomason (2011–2016), Mark Winn (2011–2016) |
| Parent | Barbershop Harmony Society (Central Cities chapter) |
Music Central was a barbershop chorus established in 1995 and located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Throughout its initial twelve years, the chorus consistently achieved top rankings within its division and participated in international competition in 1999.
The ensemble's membership was diverse, with most members lacking formal musical education aside from their involvement with Music Central.
In 2016, Music Central combined forces with the OK Chorale to form the Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma.
Performance
Annually, Music Central presented two major concerts and took part in various community events, including performances for the Boy Scouts of America and the Arts Council of Oklahoma. The chorus’s internal quartets provided continuous entertainment, notably through Singing Valentines on Sweetheart Day. Their musical selections encompassed swing, jazz, gospel, folk, show tunes, and traditional barbershop arrangements.
Leadership of the chorus was held by Brian Hogan from 1995 to 2010, followed by Larry Thomason alongside Mark Winn from 2011 until 2016. Periodic engagement of external vocal coaches helped refine vocal skills and foster member growth.
Their varied repertoire included songs by the Beach Boys, musical theater numbers, sacred music, jazz standards, among others.
Affiliation
Music Central belonged to the Barbershop Harmony Society, previously called the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of BarberShop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA). Within this organization, it was designated as the "Central Cities" chapter within the NorthEast division of the SouthWestern District. The chorus regularly competed in national Barbershop Harmony Society events.
Competition
From its inception in 1995, Music Central repeatedly captured its Division Championship titles, including winning the NorthEast division on March 3, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and progressing to district-level contests that October in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1998, they earned the District Championship spanning five states, which qualified them for the International Barbershop Harmony Society competition in 1999 where they placed among the top twenty choruses.