It’s not four guys wearing straw hats and standing under a lamppost. At least not any longer.
At its March meeting, the Ellwood City Area Historical Society stretched the legend of the barbershop quartet into its current form during a presentation by representatives of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
The “barbershoppers” introduced the roots of close harmony singing in the late 1800s which brought about the four-part quartet that we are familiar with today.
From there, the discussion examined the invitation in 1938 that called singers to gather in Kansas City. Subsequent meetings brought more singers and more participation to a point where the Barbershop Harmony Society now stands as a global influence for the preservation of this unique singing style.
A demonstration of this four-part singing art form and its closeness of notes to create the unique barbershop style was presented by Steve Wyszomierski (bass), Ben Kennedy (lead), Karl Chapple (tenor), Mike Verzella (baritone).
And in keeping with the Barbershop Harmony Society’s vision of “Everyone in Harmony,” the audience was invited … not pressured … to lend its voice to the true “ringing of a chord” which is the ultimate goal of any barbershop group.
Next Meeting: 7 p.m., April 14, 2025, History Center, 310 Fifth Street, Ellwood City. – Two local teachers who are also Civil War re-enactors will deliver a presentation to Ellwood City Area Historical Society members and guests. The public is encouraged to attend and enjoy. For more information, please call 724-752-2021 or email: ellwoodhistory@zoominternet.net.
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