About Us

In 1989, four men a with mutual interest in barbershop harmony gathered together to form the KYOVA Sound Authority quartet. That quartet served as the foundation for what would eventually become the Singing Kernels. The Singing Kernels were proud to have been a part of the Cardinal District of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and later a part of the Johnny Appleseed District. We have enjoyed our participation and success in various levels of BHS chorus and quartet competitions, including plateau championships and most-improved chorus awards. We are the home chapter of the 1993 International College Quartet Champion, Heritage Station. Our director emeritus, Carl Taylor, is a two-time gold medalist in the Senior Quartet division.

After 32 years, our members unanimously decided that a change was necessary. We have always been serious about making beautiful music, and  we felt our name and image should reflect our commitment to be the best that we can be. On December 11, 2021 at our annual show, we officially became the Eastern Kentucky Harmonic Order, or EKHO. We joined the Worldwide Barbershop Quartet Association (WBQA) as its seventh lodge shortly after.

EKHO has been a staple of the Ashland community through performances for a variety of local organizations and agencies. Some of our prior performances include:

• Independence Day celebrations

• Christmas parades

• Performing the National Anthem at various sporting events

• Local business events and grand openings

• Singing Valentines

• Nursing homes

• Private parties

• First Fridays (Ashland)

• Weddings

• Funerals

• Church services