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that someone will include barbershop
on the list.Yet, if you spend a little time
with any of the various quartets that
are subsets ofThe Harmeneers Chorus,
you might be surprised at the attention
that they can draw.
The Harmeneers put on an annual
show in November, in which they
perform several choral numbers, and
also break out into individual quartets.
I have had the privilege of being a part
of several of their performances, as an
actor in skits that tie the songs together.
I recall driving home after one such
engagement in Lynchburg. Having gone
straight from the office to the theater, I
had skipped dinner, and was ravenous.
So, I decided to make a pit stop at
McDonald’s for a late night meal.
Just as I was sitting down to eat, one of
the quartets walked in the door. They
spotted me immediately, and I invited
them to join me. As we sat and ate,
it was clear that these fellows really
enjoyed one another’s company, as
they guffawed while trading insults and
regaling me with stories.
After we finished, one of them stood
up, and asked, “Well, boys – what do
you think? Should we sing?” None
hesitated as they stood up together in
the crowded restaurant.
I remember thinking to myself that this
might not be the best choice of venues
for an impromptu barbershop recital.
The place was full of mostly young
people, representing a wide swath of
cultures and interests. I found myself
hoping that they would not be rude
or discourteous to these guys as they
laid their talents on the line amid the
clamor of the crowd.
Someone blew a pitch pipe, and after
just a few notes, the dining room fell
silent, except for the glorious four part
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harmony of my friends, singing songs that were older than
the grandparents of most of those present.Not only did they
enjoy the performance, they applauded enthusiastically,
and asked for more. I have rarely seen young people display
such a show of respect for their elders, but it was more than
that: they enjoyed it.
This scene has been repeated on several occasions on which
I had found myself in the company of one or the other of
The Harmeneers’ quartets. Music is indeed the universal
language, andThe Harmeneers are among its most capable
ambassadors.
From the outside, The Harmeneers might appear to be a
very exclusive club, with strict criteria for membership. In
fact, nothing could be further from the truth. They gladly
welcome anyone who can carry a tune and would like to
improve their skills. For the most part, none of the members
are professional musicians, but they are associated with a
national organization, and they have a qualified director
who works with them to achieve a very polished sound.
The group has placed well in some regional and national
competitions, and it’s all the result of their dedication and
love for what they do. As soon as they finish performing
their annual show, they go right to work on the next year’s
show. They practice a repertoire of tunes regularly, and
every year they try to learn a few new songs in keeping
with the theme for the upcoming show.
The funds raised from their shows are used to provide
scholarships for local youth who may be interested in
pursuing musical education. They earn supplemental
revenue by offering singing Valentines in February. For a
relatively modest fee, they will send a quartet on site to the
object of your affection. They’ll travel to the job, school,
hospital, or anywhere else in the area. After singing two
songs, they will present a card and a silk rose to your
intended.
Sometimes, they’ll be asked to sing at an event that is
raising money for a worthy cause, and they always try to
accommodate. In addition to their passion for music, they
all seem to share a strong sense of patriotism:
I know the membership consists of people from all
There are chapters across the society that set very high
standards of musical skill for acceptance to membership and
to hear them preform is a delight. But the society is inclusive
enough for there to be chapters whose first goal is for the
members to experience the joy of singing to the best of their
ability. Such is my chapter. Our audiences come away from
our performances uplifted because they see the members’
pure joy of singing and entertaining.
~ Gary Bennett
