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 Name:
Dave Brown
Hometown:
Lafayette, CA
Where do you live now?
Charlottesville, VA
In 50 words or less describe yourself/short Bio:
Been singing since I was a fetus. Lots of choirs, a cappella groups, and musical theatre in my childhood/teen hood. Really got into contemporary a cappella when I was at BYU. Sang in Vocal Point, co-founded the all-female group Noteworthy. Both were very educational, in different ways.
What is your educational background?
-BA in Linguistics, Spanish Translation from Brigham Young University (BYU)
-In my 2nd year at University of Virginia School of Law
-I'll finally be done with school next year!
Why did you get involved with CASA?
Like a lot of folks, when I graduated from college, I wanted to stay involved in a cappella and singing, but didn't know what to do. CASA gives me an outlet to share the things I've learned, and still learn a lot from others. Wow, that sounds cheesy.
What is CASA's Mission Statement?
To foster and promote a cappella singing throughout the world. To create "harmony through harmony."
What position do you hold on the Board? What is your focus?
I'm one of the newest members of the Board. My main focus is on the "CASAcademy" program (soon to be released to the public), which is a series of booklets on how to create and manage an a cappella group. We hope it will balloon into a whole educational program, covering all aspects of singing, group management, vocal health, you name it!
Like all the members of the Board, I do other things besides my one program. The main other focus that takes my time is co-hosting and producing the ACappella Originals Podcast.
How long do you plan on serving on the Board?
Not sure. I'm enjoying it a lot right now - I work with a really creative and hard-working group of people, both on the Board and throughout the CASA organization. I suppose I'll stay on as long as my life allows me the time to do so.
Where would you like to see CASA grow to in the next 5 years?
I want to see more summits, more live shows, more performing. I think recordings are cool and all, but what really gets me going is a stellar live a cappella show. I think we could spread the a cappella love a lot faster with a coordinated program of festivals and summits throughout the country (and hopefully beyond).
In your opinion why should people join CASA?
To get their faces seen on casa.org. Oh, and also because it's the greatest organization dedicated to this cause. And because the membership benefits are super neato.
Besides CASA, what is your involvement in the A cappella world?
I am a producer for the ICCA (South region). I'm also an over-active alum for both Vocal Point and Noteworthy at BYU.
How would you describe the a cappella community?
On the whole, it's fantastic and supportive. However, sometimes it's unnecessarily fractured. CASA can do a lot to join us all up. I mean, that's the point of CASA. Strength in numbers!
Where does CASA get its funding?
Wherever we can! Primarily, our funding comes through membership support. So if you're reading this, join CASA! Become a silver or gold member, and contribute to this marvelous organization. And the membership benefits rock, if I do say so myself.
Who are your influences, musical and non-musical?
Jesus Christ is my biggest influence. Other non-musical influences include my mom, Bob Ahlander, James Stevens, my sweet wife Rosa, and Bob Packer. My musical influences include Reel Big Fish, Dave Matthews, Take 6, Catherine Papworth, and Cadence.
What are your personal goals for the next 1- ,5-, and 10-years?
In the next couple of years, I'd like to actually survive law school and graduate. I hope to land a job at a top Manhattan law firm. Then have a few awesome kids, and buy a home. In the a cappella world, I'd like to help CASA grow and help inspire people to participate in the modern a cappella world. I think we can do this through 1) education - helping new directors and managers learn how to form and manage their groups professionally, and 2) amazing live performances - organizing summits all over the place to help expose more people to a cappella. And PS, I'd like to see a cappella grow at BYU.
In your opinion what is needed to bring a cappella to the mainstream?
A cappella isn't mainstream, and I think people need to realize that. We're a niche, and we should be proud of our niche. I WOULD like more people to know about it, though, and I think the best way to do that is through amazing live performances. It won't be "mainstream" until it's on TV.
What would you like to see change in the a cappella community?
I'd like to see collegiate groups branch out more, interested less in their own little group and more in the national community. I'd also like to see people stay involved after they graduate, whether that means forming pro groups or staying involved through CASA.
If you were to hold a Political Office in the future, which would it be and why?
I'd never want to. Politics are politics. It's much easier to help people through private efforts.
Who is someone you look up to?
My mom is the greatest person I know. My Dad and my three siblings have also had a huge impact on me. If I could be half of what they are, I'd be amazing.
What is your all-time favorite album?
I wish more people did "albums." Deke always talks about this, but the days of albums seem to be gone; it's more just a collection of songs. CDs I can actually put in and gladly listen to all the way through: DMB "Crash," Avril Lavigne (don't laugh - it's good), Cadence "Twenty for One," Reel Big Fish "Turn the Radio Up," and Pearl Jam "Ten."
Favorite a cappella album?
Toss-up between Cadence "Twenty for One" and Take 6's debut album. My new favorite is the LP by Firedrill!.
What product would you like to see invented that would benefit a cappella singers?
A killer DVD about speaking on stage that would teach people not to be so awkward or self-centered on stage.
What is the title of the a cappella sitcom that should be created?
Oh my gosh - heaven save us if there's ever an a cappella sitcom.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure? (keep it clean) ;-)
Domino's hot buffalo wings. With ranch. So goooood!!!!
What is your most unique skill? (Musical or non)
Can something be more or less unique? I think I'm good with details. Which hopefully makes me a good leader.
Are you involved in other Charities - if so which?
I'm very active with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both in music and in other service-oriented capacities. I love it.
What do you think of talent shows like American Idol, America's Got Talent, Etc?
We all know a lot of people who are more talented than just about everyone on those shows. I think it's sad that America doesn't know the people we know.
Who's your superhero of choice? And why?
Is Underdog a superhero? My favorite superhero is probably Batman, mostly b/c he has no actual super abilities - he's just really smart and resourceful.
Top 5 songs on your iPod currently:
The tracks from the new Noteworthy album, On the Horizon. Since I'm one of the producers on the album, I've listened to 'em a jillion times.
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