Studio Talk Vocal Quartet

Today’s a special day! Our contest sets are now up on YouTube! I’ll tag at the bottom of this thread one of our favorite ballads, “I Don’t Know How to Say Goodbye.”

For the past three years, Studio Talk has had the incredible privilege of representing the Southwestern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society on the International stage. Sharing those moments together has been such a joy. Along the way, life has brought some big changes. Our baritone is getting married in 2026 (woohoo!), and one of us is stepping back to focus on other goals outside the hobby.

So (this is Bret talking), I just want to say how grateful I am for these guys. Over these 3.5 years we’ve not only sung together, we’ve become true friends. Whether it was catching up, gaming, or sipping bourbon at the end of a rehearsal, the time together has meant the world.

As we officially retire Studio Talk, we’re proud of what we accomplished together: 2022 SWD Men’s Quartet Champions, three International appearances, and this year placing 22nd; our highest ever. We had the honor of performing as a feature quartet with Vocal Majority, including ACDA at the Winspear and our 9/11 show at the Meyerson.

Huge thanks to our main coach, Ryan Wisniewski, who shaped our sound and especially pushed my lead voice to new levels. Gratitude as well to coaches Caroline Hunt, Teresa Wetherbee, and so many through the SWD Top Gun program. And of course, the biggest thanks to our families and significant others who supported us through it all—even if that meant mixing overly stout margaritas for “Blood on the Clocktower” game nights.

The season of Studio Talk may be ending, but the friendships we’ve built will last a lifetime.

Studio Talk • I Don't Know How To Say Goodbye • 2025 Quartet Quarterfinals I Don't Know How To Say Goodbye arranged by Theo HicksThe Barbershop Harmony Society values inclusion, service, and humanity. Please note: Some performances ...

We were honored to compete in the international contest in Denver 2 weeks ago and we had a great performance that earned us our highest international score to date and 22nd place. It was such a tight contest that there was just 9 points separating 19-25. What an amazing contest. Two of us are section leaders for the Vocal Majority and we were able to win the chorus contest against some amazing choruses. We love this hobby!

We are headed to Knoxville today to compete in the Southeastern Prelims. Due to Bret’s daughter graduating Lipscomb University in May, we had to compete out of district. We look forward to sharing our music with a new audience and reconnecting with some old friends.

This was prep on Monday. Tonight we are all in San Antonio and taking the stage at 8:08 at the midwinter convention.

No, we don't post much, but that doesn't mean we haven't been actively working since International. We performed on a chapter show in October and here is a pic of us (Kevin is on Zoom) living into our name in the studio in Bret's office recording some of our new contest charts. This is actually a picture of Donovan recording a masterful pitch pipe tone in a couple of places where there are key changes to keep us honest on the pitch as we were having issues tuning Logic Pro to Donovan's pitch pipe. He got it in one take. Can't say the same about the vocals.

Studio Talk family dinner!!

Having lunch with friends and family after an early morning.

Four hours until we hit the stage. Happy contest day!!

BREAK A LEG to all of the incredible quartets and choruses representing SWD at 2024 BHS International!

Well, well, well, look who decided to join the party! Give our brothers in Opus IV Quartet some love, and like/follow their page. They're joining us and all the other incredible SWD quartets in Cleveland next week!

Clutch Quartet Studio Talk Vocal Quartet and Opus IV represented at Vocal Majority rehearsal! Closing down the night with Keep the Whole World Singing. Next stop, Cleveland!! Let's gooooooo