Avi Kaplan | |
|---|---|
 Avi Kaplan performing with Pentatonix in Barcelona in April 2015 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Avriel Benjamin Kaplan |
| Born | April 17, 1989 Visalia, California[1] |
| Genres | A cappella, choral, classical |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Arranger, Songwriter |
| Years active | 2011-present |
| Labels | Madison Gate Records, RCA Records |
Avi Kaplan (born April 17, 1989) is an American singer, arranger, songwriter, guitarist, and producer best known for singing bass in the a cappella band Pentatonix.
Early Life (1989-2007)
editKaplan was born on April 17, 1989 in Visalia, California to Michael and Shelly Kaplan. [2] He first was first introduced to music by singing in the choir at Divisadero Middle School and later Mt. Whitney High School. He taught hinself to play the guitar at 15 and began to perform at local venues. [2] When he was 16, he was involved in a serious car crash with his parents that injured his mother's back, which inspired him to write his first original song, "Collision". [3]
College (2007-2011)
editKaplan attended Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Opera. [4] While he attended, Kaplan was an active member of many vocal groups on campus. As a member of his college's all-male a cappella group, Fermata Nowhere, he won the 2009 ICCA national championship. As a member of Singcopation, a collegiate jazz vocal ensemble, he won first place in the nation in the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2010. [5] Kaplan also toured internationally with the Mt. San Antonio College Chamber Singers, winning first place in 2010 at the American International Choral Festival.
The Sing-Off (2011)
editAfter Avi Kaplan graduated from college in the summer of 2011, he was approached through a mutual friend by Scott Hoying, who was interested in forming an a cappella group (along with Kirstin Maldonado and Mitch Grassi) to compete on the third season of The Sing-Off. With the later addition of Kevin Olusola, Pentatonix was formed and auditioned sucessfully for the show.[6] They went on to win the season, a Sony recording contract, and the $200,000 grand prize.[7]
Career with Pentatonix (2011 to present)
editWith Avi Kaplan, Pentatonix has released 4 EPs, a compilation album, a Christmas album that has been certified double platinum by the RIAA, and a self-titled album that debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 and is certified gold. [8] Pentatonix has also gone on international tours and won the 2015 and 2016 Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella.
Kaplan has songwriting credits for many of the songs
Other Ventures
editPersonal Life
editAvi Kaplan is Jewish.
References
edit- ^ Hall, Kristin (October 15, 2015). "Visalia's Avi Kaplan on the rise with Pentatonix". Visalia Times-Delta. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
- ^ a b "Visalia native returns for sold out perfromance with Pentatonix". Visalia Times-Delta. January 23, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
- ^ Newcott, Zachary (February 7, 2015). "Visalia native Avi Kaplan up for Grammy". Visalia Times-Delta. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
- ^ Nussbaum Cohen, Debra (February 11, 2014). "Welcome to the A cappella Revolution". The Assimilator. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
- ^ Tate, Imani (October 1, 2010). "Singopation sings to a full house at jazz festival". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
- ^ Walker, Patrick M. (November 8, 2011). "As part of Pentatonix, Arlington trio shines on NBC's 'The Sing-Off'". dfw.com. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
- ^ Gallo, Phil (November 29, 2011). "'The Sing-Off' Finale: Pentatonix Takes The Trophy". Billboard.com. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
- ^ Caulfield, Keith (October 26, 2015). "Pentatonix Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved 2015-12-31.