Rockford Alum and His World-Ranked Barbershop Quartet to Perform in Rockford

The Rockford Education Foundation is pleased to present the singing performances of the world-ranked barbershop quartet, Kordal Kombat.  They will be performing on Sunday, April 12 at 4 p.m. in the newly remodeled Rockford High School Auditorium. The Rockford High School Chamber Choir will also be performing, for an afternoon of exceptional music. A donation of $10 per person will be collected at the door. All proceeds benefit the students and programs of Rockford Area Schools.  The community is welcome.

The Foundation is excited to welcome home Mark Halverstadt, a 2009 Rockford High School alum and the group’s tenor.

“Mark Halverstadt was a valued member of the RHS A Cappella Choir, Chamber Choir (tenor section leader), and Concert Band,” said RHS Vocal Music Director Brandy Gullickson. “He was always willing to do anything extra and led with a smile. I am so proud of the musician Mark has become!”

Mark, along with Scott Veenhuis, Ben Israelson, and Adam Helgeson joined forces in 2009 at the University of Minnesota-Morris. After exploring the full spectrum of a cappella music genres – classical, gospel, pop, doo wop, jazz and everything in-between, the four discovered their true calling was the barbershop style of singing. Since joining the Willmar chapter of the Land O’ Lakes District of the Barbershop Harmony Society in 2012, Kordel Kombat has earned numerous accolades. They competed in 2013 and 2014 at the International Collegiate Barbershop Quartet contest, earning an eighth-place finish in 2014. In 2013, they were crowned champions of the Minnesota State Fair’s “County Fair Talent Contest”. Kordal Kombat made Land O’ Lakes District history in October 2013 by becoming the first district quartet ever to win both the District Novice Quartet Championship and the District Quartet Championship in the same year.

In addition to Sunday’s performance, Rockford High School music students will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop conducted by the members of Kordal Kombat.

The Rockford Education Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to providing valuable educational experiences and innovative projects for all students in the Rockford Area Schools. Support for the Foundation comes entirely through community contributions and grants. Funds are distributed to enhance student learning and programs within the district.