Barbershoppers recruit, flex their vocal chords

The Endless Mountains Barbershop Chorus conducted singing clinics for potential new members over tha past several weeks. STAFF PHOTO/ROBERT BAKER

BY ROBERT L. BAKER

If Jim Williams of Springville could get the whole world singing, he is certain it would be a better place.

However, the president of the Endless Mountains Barbershop Chorus will settle for about a dozen good men, and for the past three weekends has offered clinics at the Dietrich Theater to whet their appetites.

The Endless Mountains group presently has 28 on its roster, and he feels certain the group will grow.

It meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Tunkhannock Baptist Church education building on Church Street in Tunkhannock.

“I will be tremendously disappointed if we don’t get 7-10 new members as a result of our clinics,” Williams said Sunday night after observing the previous day for about 90 minutes that 15 newcomers showed up interested in flexing their vocal cords.

No knowledge of reading music was required of those participating, and with the help of a teaching quartet and other coaches, Williams believes that most, if not all, among the curious will be able to unite in four-part harmony. 

The clinic also taught the three elements of high-quality singing- mechanics, technique, and performance- and what one can do to be a better singer, according to Raleigh Bloch of Tunkhannock

Attendees received a learning CD with samples of three of the songs which the Endless Mountains Chorus will perform in its annual show April 30 at Tunkhannock Area High School.

Next spring’s theme is ‘Girls, Girls, Girls,’ although Williams said not to read too much into that beyond some innocent fun.

“We have a good time singing,” the Springville resident said.

He noted that even if a person was unable to attend the clinic, they are welcome to show up Thursday nights if they like to sing.

The Endless Mountains Chorus is a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. The international group seeks to preserve the “sacred right of men to seek haven from the burden of their daily cares through indulgence in vocal quartet harmony.”

In addition to its annual show, the local group will be presenting three songs at this year’s Tunkhannock Library Christmas Show, Dec. 4-5, and also does singing Valentines as well as other gigs.