Eclipse enjoys performances, competitions
Eclipse, an a capella group from Logan, said they are probably more popular outside of the Cache Valley and Logan areas because many a capella groups were started here.
“We want to break the stereotypes of a capella groups, [like] all the members standing in a circle singing, by doing new things” said Patrick Rose, a member of Eclipse.
We try to be visually as well as aurally stimulating, he said.
Dan Kartchner, a member of Eclipse, said, “We use cordless microphones and high energy while performing.”
A lot of that energy comes from the fans, members of Eclipse said in agreement.
“We love the fans and love performing for them,” Rose said.
Rose, Shayne Taylor, Kevin Jones, Kartchner, Paul Hansen and Kirk Mecham, the members of Eclipse, met while singing in Sunburst Singers. Two years ago, they formed Eclipse and have been singing together since. They said they get a lot of support from Utah State University’s Programs and Entertainment. “Derek Furch [the director of USU programs and entertainment] taught us,” Jones said.
The members of Eclipse all agree that Furch taught them to break the barriers between performance and audience and taught them everything they know.
Eclipse competed in the National Harmony Sweepstakes Competition in San Francisco on May 5, with the top eight a capella groups in the nation. They placed first in the northwest region. Eclipse also took first place in the Utah Talent Competition.
“Competing is a small part,” Jones said. “We also do benefit deals and sing for young people. [We sing to] benefit people in society.”
Eclipse will participate in the Hogle Zoo benefit auction and do a lot with the Cystic Fibrosis charity, Rose said.
“We enjoy good music,” Mecham said.
Once, Eclipse’s first CD, was released in April and “is doing great.” Rose said. “We’ve sold 2,000 [copies].”
The CD is available through Soundburst Distribution for approximately $15 and is sold at Hastings, Deseret Book, Sam Goody, Media Play, Eclipse’s Web site, Amazon.com, CD Baby, (a national a capella catalog) and at their concerts.
Rose said they are trying to get the CD out everywhere nationally so people will know their name and sound.
Three of the six members have graduated from USU and three are still in school, but they plan to stay together and sing.
“We are actively writing and singing new music,” Kartchner said. “A new CD is on its way. It will be due out next spring or summer.”
The members of Eclipse who have graduated want to sing full time, Mecham said.
The band will be performing on campus in October as well as at the Logan LDS Institute. The group will also be doing Christmas shows in Logan this year as well as performing at Airwaves in Salt Lake City. Eclipse a contract to perform at the live sites and venues at the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympics.
For more information including videoclips, pictures and soundbites go to www.eclipsesingers.com