Central Standard, the Kansas City metro’s award-winning men’s a cappella ensemble was named the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 3rd place bronze medalist chorus at the Society’s International Chorus Competition held in Pittsburgh PA on Friday, July 3, 2015. This is the first time a Kansas City chorus has had the distinction at earning a medal at an International competition, which have been held continuously since 1954.

Directed by Rob Mance, a graduate of the famed Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey and a doctoral student at Kansas University in choral conducting, Central Standard won the first medal of any chorus ever representing the Kansas City area.

The competition featured the 28 highest-ranking choruses from around the United States, Canada and Europe, which were only a small part of over 800 such choruses around the world.

Formed in 2007, Central Standard started with a small number of performers dedicated to the advancement of men’s harmony and continued musical excellence. Today, the group encompasses about 45 active members across diverse personal and professional backgrounds. 

The chorus has competed at International competitions in Philadelphia (2010), right here in Kansas City (2011), Portland, Oregon (2012), and in Las Vegas (2014) where it placed 9th, its highest previous ranking.
Central Standard, a non-profit organization itself, has given back to Kansas City through volunteering and financial support to Harvester’s and maintains a regular relationship with that important Kansas City institution. It also has strong bonds with various local school music programs and other groups of area vocal performers.

Central Standard, Men's A Cappella Ensemble