The Northwest Vocal Project chorus (NVP) is an ever-growing group of young men who love a cappella harmony. We sing all genres of music, from gospel to jazz, to barbershop and contemporary a cappella. We are committed to constantly developing our vocal and performance skills in order to interact meaningfully with our audience and share our love of a cappella harmony.

In the summer of 2007, three young barbershoppers from Seattle were discussing recent developments in barbershop. Two Californian groups, the quartet OC Times and the Westminster chorus, were reframing barbershop and a cappella as something that was cool for young guys. Instead of just being disappointed that these groups weren’t closer and moving on, the trio decided to create that youth-focused environment right here in Seattle. With the help of the Northwest Sound (a Seattle barbershop chorus), these three guys called their friends and put together the first NVP rehearsal.

For NVP’s first year, the Northwest Sound’s director, Donny Rose, donated his time and prodigious experience to NVP as director. Under his direction, NVP developed a culture of vocal quality and overall class that continues to this day. Donny lead NVP to our first year of competition and most notably to our victory as International Barbershop Youth Chorus Champion in Pasadena, CA in February of 2009. After this milestone, Donny decided to step down to focus on directing the Northwest Sound and his full-time music education job. NVP appreciates the work he has done for us, and he is always more than welcome to stop by and share his wisdom with the chorus.

After Donny, NVP spent several months under the energetic direction of Tim Marron, lead of the quartet Jet Set. Though newer to directing, Tim is no newcomer to barbershop harmony, and he imparted to NVP his fire and passion for the art form. Under Tim, NVP performed for 9000+ people at the 2009 BHS International Convention in Anaheim and shortly afterward at the prestigious Anacortes Show and Salmon Bake with the quartet Crossroads (the newly crowned 2009 International Champions). Unfortunately, due to quartet and family commitments Tim decided to step down from directing NVP. NVP thanks Tim for all his hard work, and wishes him the best in his future vocal endeavors.

Neal Booth had already been filling in occasionally as NVP’s director when necessary, and had been with the chorus since the beginning. When we asked him to fill in as Director again, he graciously accepted, and we liked working with him so much that we stuck with him. Neal has given NVP a more sensitive and connected sound, and has allowed the chorus to make the majority of the decisions as to our direction. Under Neal, NVP recently earned the title of Evergreen District Chorus Champion, and will be going to Philadelphia in July to compete with choruses from all over the world at the 2010 BHS International Convention.

NVP looks forward to future events, and urges you to come along for the ride.