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Barbershop chapter sings from the heart
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By LINDA M. LINONIS
HERMITAGE, PA.
They have a song in their hearts and are eager to share it.
They’re the Penn-Ohio Singers, Shenango Valley Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
On a recent Tuesday, participants in the 50-member group arrived at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 159 Todd Ave., where rehearsals take place. The singers are preparing for their 33rd annual show, “Jukebox Memories,” on Nov. 1 at Reynolds High School. Music from the 1960s and ’70s will be featured including The Beatles and Beach Boys.
Frank Riddick of Struthers, board member and 2013 president, who sings bass, said he’s been singing as long as he can remember.
He said the singers, who are all men, range in age from late 20s to mid-80s. “Barbershop music is four-part unaccompanied music,” Riddick said. “That means no instruments ... though we sometimes use a piano to get the right note, but that’s it.”
It’s a unique blend of voices. Riddick explained the four parts are “the lead who sings the melody, tenor, baritone and bass ... that’s the foundation of the chorus,” he said. “We take songs and arrange them in barbershop style.”
Riddick, who has been with Penn-Ohio Singers since 1986, said, “I love the music. But there’s also wonderful camaraderie and companionship.”
He also pointed out “when you’re singing, you can’t be mad at anybody.” The longtime barbershop singer said the music is uplifting and “keeps you young.” Among his favorite selections are “Little Pal,” “Bright was the Night” and “Lida Rose.”
In addition to the group’s annual concert, the Penn-Ohio Singers also have quartets available to serenade loved ones and friends on St. Valentine’s Day. “Depending on the day for Valentine’s Day, we might be out singing Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” Riddick said. This year, quartets had nearly 90 engagements.
“We also perform throughout the year at different events ... usually once a month,” he said, noting some are free performances and others are paid.
Dave Wayland of Hubbard was among the founders of Penn-Ohio Singers in 1982. Love of singing was the motivation for the tenor. “When you’re singing, you don’t have a bad thought,” he said, noting singing promote good feelings.
Along with the singing, he said, the bonus is the friends. “I have so many friends all over the country ... thanks to barbershop singing.”
Mark Ostheimer of Sharon, Pa., is director and Rich Dombrosky of New Castle, Pa., assistant director. President is Jim Legters of James-town, Pa.
Ostheimer, who has directed about 31/2 years, said “Barbershop is a uniquely American style. It’s expressive.”
Before Chuck Davis of New Castle joined about a year ago, he said he spent Tuesday nights at a karaoke bar with friends. The baritone, who at 28 is the youngest member, said he’s been singing since kindergarten and has participated in musicals and choruses in school. He said the musical “Anything Goes” introduced him to barbershop style. “It’s really cool,” he said.
Once he started rehearsing with Penn-Ohio Singers, he was hooked. “There is something that’s just beautiful when you hit those notes just right,” he said. He said the singing must get the serotonin going because singing makes you feel good.
The Slippery Rock University student added that the group also offers something more. “You meet people from all walks of life,” he said. “We come together for a common purpose ... to make music.”