...Central Standard, a chorus that has become synonymous with ensemble excellence in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Central Standard is a proud member of the The Barbershop Harmony Society. Approximately 13,800 individuals in the United States and Canada are members of this organization whose mission is to bring people together in harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through singing.
The chorus resides in the Central States District under the Metro Kansas City chapter.
Central Standard, the Kansas City metro's award-winning a cappella ensemble, was formed in 2007 starting with a small number of performers dedicated to the advancement of a capella barbershop harmony and continued musical excellence. Today, the group encompasses over 40 active members across diverse personal and professional backgrounds.
The ensemble has had the honor of being a 6-time medalist chorus in the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Chorus Competition, including the 2nd place silver medalist in Nashville, TN on Friday, July 8, 2016. This is the first time a group from Kansas City has had the distinction at earning a silver medal at an International competition since the chorus contest's inception in 1954.
The International Competition features the 30+ highest-ranking choruses from around the world, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia.
The ensemble has competed at International competitions in Philadelphia, Kansas City, Portland, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Charlotte, and Louisville.
In 2018, Central Standard had the opportunity to headline the BABS convention in Harrogate, UK. Shortly after, the group traveled to Stockholm, Sweden to perform with Zero8.
Central Standard is a culturally diverse and inclusive a cappella ensemble for lower voices that embodies the spirit of camaraderie. Central Standard is dedicated to enriching lives through performing with musical excellence and encouraging music appreciation in schools and the community.
Our Director
Robert Mance has been directing Central Standard since 2011. Under his direction, Central Standard has gone from placing 9th at the International Contest to becoming a 6-time medalist chorus, including the 2nd place winner of the 2016 International Contest.
Robert has completed the coursework for a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at the University of Kansas, where he has been conductor of the Oread Consort. He served as Director of Music at the Shawnee Presbyterian Church in Shawnee, Kansas where he also maintains a private voice studio. Now, he spends the rest of his week as a full time coach of choruses and quartets.
Before starting his studies at KU, Robert most recently served as interim Director of Choral Activities and interim Voice Area Director at William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. Robert has also sung professionally with such groups as the Kansas City Chorale under Charles Bruffy and the Westminster Symphonic Choir and Wesminster Choir under Joe Miller.
He is an active clinician for high school vocal ensembles, maintains a recording studio, and serves as an active barbershop coach and society judge. He is also director of the award winning SAI chorus, Vocal Standard.
Robert completed his undergraduate studies at McGill University in Montreal, QC in voice performance, and completed his graduate studies at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ in choral conducting and voice pedagogy.
Robert resides in Kansas City with his wife Kristin, an English teacher and Harmony Inc. quartet champion.
Central Standard Leadership
Rob Mance- Director
Reed Pattee- Associate Director
Jon Kready- Assistant Director
Dan Rasmussen- Assistant Director
Metro KC Chapter Leadership
