Singing is a talent that not everyone possesses. Music can speak to people in a way that words cannot, and those who realize this have the ability to change the world.
Introducing English teacher, Brian Elliott, a member of the singing group Vocal Majority, and a gold medal recipient.
Founded in Dallas, the group is officially known as the Dallas Metropolitan Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, but is called Vocal Majority by most people. It was once a small group of 12 men, however it has grown to have well over 100 members and chapters located all over the world.
“It’s the coolest thing in the world to be in,” Elliott said. “I have sang [and performed] with the Vocal Majority since 2013,” he said. “I have been a part of different groups within the BSS for 26 years now.”
Elliott has been singing since it he was “old enough to walk”. Starting out in church groups and singing along with the radio, he has slowly moved up over the years eventually placing him in the spot he is today.
“It’s always been something I enjoyed,” he said. “It’s one of those cool outlets that relieves some stress.”
People from all walks of life can be found within this extraordinary group, all following their passion, and all sharing the experience with one another.
“We all have different stories” he said. Within the group are teachers, students, bus drivers, even a prison security guard.
This past summer, the Vocal Majority competed in the 2018 international championship of the Barbershop Harmony Society on Friday, July 6 in Orlando, Florida. There, out of 1800 men in 30 choruses representing the US, Canada, Sweden, Great Britain and New Zealand, they won their 13th gold medal; the most ever in a barbershop competition. This was the second gold medal for Elliott, both times of which have been extremely memorable for him.
“In 2014 I won my first gold medal. My son, Benjamin, sang in the chorus then too and so we both won our first gold medals together,” Elliot said.
Elliott won his second gold medal singing in the front row. Singing in the front row is a much sought after position as you are in full view of the audience, meaning that all dance moves are in full display.
As if winning a gold medal wasn’t cool enough, the group also got to perform with a group called Voctave, who is currently one of the top a capella groups in the world.
“We did a professional video recording with them of ‘A Million Dreams’ from the Greatest Showman,” he said. “The really cool thing is that they were really stoked to get to perform with us too.”
Practicing once a week on Thursday nights may not seem like a plentiful amount of time for how good they are. However, their true talent lies in the innate joy they have to sing, of which they project onto the surrounding audience. They encourage people to come join them and enjoy a night filled with music and laughter.
“If you come as a guest just to watch, we’ll pull you up on the risers to sing with us,” he said.
Elliot is a special soul who is part of a special group. Vocal Majority is a group that impacts people with their stories and songs, and as their tagline says, they truly are “pure harmony”.
If you want to join or want more information, go to the official Vocal Majority website or contact Elliot at Brian.elliot@kellerisd.net