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 Bridge while several thousand people looked on and listened ,” says Apelgren .
South Hills Keystone Chorus currently has 29 members . The group ’ s oldest member is Paul Schaughency , 94 , and the youngest member is Brandon Rauch , who recently graduated and holds a degree in music from Washington and Jefferson College . Hunter holds the seniority in the group , having been a member for 42 years .
Ken Williams is the current music director and has a degree in music from Ohio University . He started with the group as a member and over the years eventually took on the director position . The group ’ s assistant director is Bill Smith . The chorus also has a Board of Directors who fulfill various administrative duties . President of the Board is Stan Kleja , who has been in office for six years .
Interestingly , Williams and Rauch are the only members who have a formal background in music . More than half of the group does not read music , but instead uses recordings and ear training to learn repertoire . Members include doctors , lawyers , EMTs , teachers , salesmen , carpenters and retirees .
So what do these men from different backgrounds , different careers and different boroughs have in common ? “ A love for music and the art of barbershop , and of course singing with a bunch of great guys and having fun ,” says Apelgren .
The chorus sings at senior citizen homes , libraries , luncheons and private parties and also performs at the Bethel Park Tower Concert and Washington County Fair each year . Additionally , the group ’ s quartets perform at the same types of functions throughout various communities . “ Our members really enjoy singing at the senior citizens ’ residences and talking to concert attendees after the performance ,” says Apelgren . Each fall the chorus performs an annual show that is open to the public and usually takes place in a nearby school or church .
To become a member of South Hills Keystone Chorus , no formal audition is required and you don ’ t need to read music or have a musical background . “ We do need to find out what voice part you are , though ,” says Apelgren . “ So our director will ask you to privately sing ‘ Happy Birthday to You ’ or something along those lines .” Being male and enjoying singing are the only real requirements necessary to become a part of the group . “ A good sense of humor is helpful , even if it ’ s not required ,” adds Apelgren with a chuckle .
The chorus rehearses once a week on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:45 p . m . at Hamilton Presbyterian Church , located at 4500 Hamilton Road in Bethel Park , right off of Baptist Road .
“ One thing that sums up the camaraderie of our group was said by a fellow member and sticks with me ,” says Apelgren . “ He said , ‘ I ’ ve never gone to a rehearsal where I ’ ve not laughed out loud ’— and that ’ s really true ! The chorus is a great group of guys who love to sing in our communities and have fun doing it .” n
For more information about South Hills Keystone Chorus , visit pghkeystonechorus . com .
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