Union Harmony Cuts a CD in Nashville
Will fame and fortune follow?

In early May, Union Harmony, the six-member Union College vocal group that specializes in a cappella performance, got a first-hand taste of the rigorous demands of the music business. The group spent six hours recording a five-track CD in a studio at Belmont University’s Center for Music Business in Nashville, from early evening until the wee hours of the next morning. Members of the group are Ricky Ball, Steven Jackson, Sherisa Warren (all of Barbourville), Risha Allen of Keavy, Jennifer Bryant of Uniontown and Paige Howard of Harlan.
“It was an incredible learning experience for us,” said Union Harmony director and music professor, Dr. Randy Sheets, “working in a state-of-the-art recording studio and learning how recordings are made.” Both performers and recording engineers work very hard, explained Sheets, since the process is very complicated and meticulous. “It demands constant alertness, stamina and determination to produce the best results possible.”

Showcasing the wide range of their vocal talents, the group recorded songs in several musical styles, from classical to Christian to doo-wop. Tracks included are “Good Lovin”, “Stand by Me,” “How Majestic/Great Is the Lord,” “Cantate Domino” and the Union College Alma Mater.

Sheets and recording engineer Charley Hubbs spent an additional 13 hours mixing and editing the recording. Hubbs, a Union alumnus, said that this session was one of the smoothest he’d ever recorded, praising the singers’ work ethic and strong musicianship. He was particularly impressed by the singers’ ability to perform “stacking” without error, which is singing accurately with their previously recorded version of a song.

Sheets agreed, noting that the singers remained energetic and committed. “They never complained, even during the technically-required repeat performances of a particularly vocally demanding song. I’m quite proud of all of them.” Production arrangements are currently being made and the CD is expected to be available for sale at the Union College Bulldog Bookstore later this summer.

Union College is a learning community dedicated to creating personal, intellectual, and social transformation through the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, service, and spiritual growth. Founded in 1879, the College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

May 13, 2002

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