Congratulations to Music Education major Andrew Lujan (tenor, pictured far left) and his barbershop quartet “The Academy” for winning 1st place at the International Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Competition this past summer! The competition was hosted by the Barbershop Harmony Society at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada where the quartet competed alongside 27 other quartets. The other members of the quartet include Peter Cunningham (lead), Kevin Menendez (baritone), and Michael Skutt (bass). Since their successful first performance at the 2013 Labor Day Jamboree, they have been named the 2013 Florida Novice Barbershop Quartet Champions and the 2014 Sunshine District International Collegiate Representatives.
“Winning was very exciting for us and we are VERY excited to proceed into our future as champs this year. We went out, poured our hearts out on the competition stage, and were lucky enough to come away with 1st place among 27 other great quartets!” said Lujan.
Winning the International Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Competition is a great achievement, and they are guaranteed to receive well deserved exposure, including at Youth Workshops where their quartet will enjoy teaching large groups of students about the art of barbershopping. Learn more about “The Academy” and their upcoming events on their Facebook page by clicking here. Andrew is also a member of the FIU Concert Choir, FIU’s elite choral ensemble.
Congratulations again to Andrew Lujan! We are proud to call you a Panther!
