July 16, 2007

University of Mobile Barbershop Groups Place at International Competitions

RamTonz and RamBunctious, the University of Mobile’s barbershop-style quartets, each placed in the top 20 at international competitions this summer. Both groups are part of UM’s Center for Performing Arts.

RamTonz, the all-male barbershop quartet, placed 18th at the Bank of America Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Contest at the Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention in Denver, Colo., July 1-8. The group placed first in the qualifying Dixie District competition in Knoxville, Tenn., in March.

RamTonz members are Luke Veazey, first tenor; Andrew Lowe, lead; Jordan Van Matre, baritone; and Jason O’Neal, bass.

RamBunctious, the university’s competitive Young Women in Harmony group, placed 14th at the Sweet Adelines International, 2007 International Education Symposium in San Antonio, Texas, July 11-14. There, the students also participated in classes and seminars to improve their technique. The group placed second in the qualifying Rising Stars of the South Quartet competition in Chattanooga, Tenn., in March.

RamBunctious members are Lydia Bru, first tenor; Kristin Constantine, lead; Kourtney Campbell, baritone; and Nikki Ellis, bass.

RamTonz and RamBunctious are under the direction of associate dean of the CPA Dr. Al Miller and vocal coach Bron Dixon, who highly commended the groups’ performances at the competitions.
"The experience was second to none,” said Miller, after attending the international competition with RamTonz. “It was wonderful for us, the university and those students... we’ll return next year.”

Dixon said she was proud of RamBunctious after their performance and that they “represented the University of Mobile very well.” She said she was also thankful to all the people who financially contributed to the group and helped them attend the competition.

For information about the University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts, contact the Admissions Office at (251) 442-2273 or visit www.umobile.edu.