Bill Lutz, Edd Hale, Nancy Hale, Carole Young, Carleton Young
Quartet Singing in America (SPEBQSA) was held in 1957 at the
St. Paul Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon. There were 18 men in
attendance. At this meeting, temporary officers were elected and a
regular rehearsal schedule was set up for Monday evenings at 8 p.m.
at the church. At that time the decision was made to remain as a
temporary chapter until membership was large enough to apply for and
maintain full chapter status.
“Despite the temporary status, the men present began to learn
four-part barbershop harmony and a quartet sang ‘In the Evening
By the Moonlight’ and did a ‘fine job,’ according to a letter written to
the temporary membership by Jack ‘Rip’ Collins, the chapter’s first
Director and President,” says group historian Frank Hunter.
The chorus officially began in 1958. It joined the National
Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) with sponsorship and support of
the Washington, Pa., and Pittsburgh chapters. Along with the chorus,
several quartets were formed including the Night Owls, the Lebonaires
and the Razorsharps. The group flourished over the next several years
and membership peaked in 1963 with 60 members.
The chorus is a member of the Johnny Appleseed District of
BHS—one of 23 districts in the United States and Canada—and has
competed at the district convention several times, most recently in
2014.
In July 2015 BHS held its International Convention in Pittsburgh,
assisted by six area chapters including South Hills Keystone Chorus.
Barbershoppers from around the world came to sing and compete.
“One special highlight was participating in an open-air serenade by
3,000-plus barbershoppers from the Clemente Bri