Thomas J. West Music

Contemporary a cappella singing is a hobby of mine. I was weaned on barbershop quartet music - my dad was involved with SPEBSQSA (now the Barbershop Harmony Society) as a singer, arranger, judge, and coach long before I was around. When I went to college, I sang in a 50's doo wop group that, during my tenure as director, branched out into contemporary a cappella music. This was back in the early 90's, when groups like Rockapella, The Bobs, The Nylons, The Blenders, and Take 6 were blazing trails in "rock bands without instruments" performances.

A cappella singing has been a way for me to have fun as a musician without it being part of my job. It has also led me to some of the best and most long-lasting friendships I've had in my life. One of those friends is taking his passion for contemporary a cappella to new heights with a new website.

Shawn Pearce, a Phi Mu Alpha brother who sang with The Dreamers, was directly involved in either co-founding or singing as a charter member of nearly every a cappella group that has had longevity on campus.  At the beginning of April, Shawn opened the doors on Value Vocals, a website dedicated to "quality a cappella arrangements at affordable prices for any group's budget."

I have written a special review article of Shawn's new site. Please visit it HERE