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Chord of Appeals notes the charm of the barbershop sound
By LINDA M. LINONIS
HOWLAND
Chord of Appeals makes a melodic case for “that barbershop sound.”
Quartet members are Lana Opel of Johnson, lead; Kathy Grischow of Austintown, tenor; Sherry Mills of Bazetta, baritone; and Jo Ulery of Howland, bass.
The women sang with Square County Chorus of Sweet Adelines many years ago. That’s where they met; Grischow’s husband, Bob, was director. “He’s our fifth ear. He critiques us and gives us pointers,” Grischow said.
The group’s name evolved because Ulery worked, and continues on a part-time basis, as a clerk in Niles Municipal Court. The women found harmony as Chord of Appeals. They’ve been together about 15 years.
It’s clear that fun, friendship and a love of singing strings them together in a musical bond. Each has a different background, musically speaking.
Mills had no formal training, though her parents sang and played instruments; Opel plays the piano and organ and directs Mecca Community Church choir; Grischow has no formal training but sang in high school and with a girls’ sextet and a church choir; Ulery has a background singing in high school and other groups and took piano lessons.
“We like the old-style ... songs from the ’40s and ’50s,” Opel said of their song selections that include Christmas favorites.
In fact, Chord of Appeals is rehearsing “Mr. Sandman” and “Chord Buster March,” which they will sing April 22-23 at Champion High School as part of Trumbull Senior Production Co.’s show. The company is geared to showcase those 50-plus in musical performances.
The quartet said they tailor the repertoire to the audience. At churches, religious music such as “I Believe,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth” are among selections.
Chord of Appeals has sung “The Star Spangled Banner” at about six home openers of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. The group also has sung at community events, including First Night in Canfield and the Italian-American Festival in Warren.
Though the years have added up, bringing some physical ailments, the quartet goes on with the show. “I just enjoy it,” Mills said, but added “but it’s not as easy as when I was younger.” She’s the member who interjects humor into the mix. “I’m the baritone ... the one who sings the garbage notes, but it’s what makes the barbershop sound.”
“We have a lot of fun together and camaraderie. It seems we’re more like sisters,” Opel added.
Grischow said she continues to enjoy being part of the group because she simply thinks “it’s fun to perform and know you’re appreciated.” She noted the friendship they share is important as well.
“I get great satisfaction out of singing ... and I like to entertain,” Ulery said. “We all still enjoy doing this, and that makes all the difference in the world.”
Though Chord of Appeals sings a variety of songs, it’s surpassed by their wardrobe. “I think we have more clothes and earrings than songs,” Mills said. “We sing to entertain ourselves and our audience. ... If we make them happy, we’re happy.”
The group wears seasonal attire such as Christmas outfits and patriotic shirts for ballgames.
The women joke about ailments of aging. When Mills experienced some hearing loss, her place in the lineup had to change so she could hear the others. “If I can’t hear them, I’m in trouble,” she said. “Even though the ailments have come, we make it work,” Opel added.
Publicity about the group mostly has been “word of mouth.” To book the Chord of Appeals, call Ulery at 330-989-8061.