The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. recently established an outreach program in high schools and junior colleges called “Young Men in Harmony.” The purpose of the program is to introduce the barbershop style of singing to young men around the world.
Here in the Sandhills, The Golf Capital Chorus has started its own program working with students at Pinecrest High School. The Chorus hopes to expand the program to other schools in the future.
Larry Harter, past president of the Chorus, and Ron Sickenberger, current president, have been meeting with Pinecrest High School students each Wednesday to teach them barbershop singing techniques using some of the same instructional materials used by The Golf Capital Chorus.
According to Harter, there are seven participants in the current program and he expects more to join after summer vacation.
“It’s great fun to work with these guys,” he says. “Two of our participants are actively participating with the Golf Capital Chorus, and we anticipate having them sing our fall show with us. We think there’s a good chance we might actually have a quartet made up of the ‘Young Men in Harmony” actually sing at our concert on Nov. 6. It’s a goal that we think is attainable. Besides, it would make a wonderful addition to the show which I’m sure our audience would enjoy.”
Chris Kunik, 17, and a senior at Pinecrest High School is the son of Melissa and Thomas Kunik of Pinebluff. He is singing lead and was the first member of the “Young Men in Harmony” at Pinecrest.
“One of the members of my church choir is a member of the Golf Capital Chorus and got me interested in the music,” he says. “He encouraged me to go to a Chorus rehearsal, and I’ve been involved ever since. Barbershop isn’t what I am used to singing. It’s different and I really enjoy it. I hope to get some quartets formed here at Pinecrest and actually have a quartet competition.”
Keyon Jasper, is 17 and a senior. He sings tenor and is the son of Kenya Quick of Aberdeen. Keyon got interested in the group when he heard some of the students singing in the chorus room of the school.
“I like the barbershop sound,” he says. “It’s sort of like being back in the classic days. My grandfather used to sing it and I thought it might be fun to do.”
Brent Shockley, 17, is a senior and sings bass. He is the son of Patricia and William Shockley of Aberdeen. Chris Kunik recruited him. “Once I started, I’ve been back every week since,” he says. “Barbershop is new to me. It’s fun and singing bass lets you do most of the rhythm sounds in the songs.”
When asked if he thought teenagers would embrace barbershop music, Shockley says,” I’m a good example of that. I think they will if they are given the opportunity to hear it up close.”
Phillip Brock, 17, is a junior who sings baritone. He is the son of Yvonne and Mike Brock of Pinehurst.
“I heard about the group and had a chance to try it out with the other guys,” he says. “That’s all it took.”
According to Larry Harter, members of the Golf Capital Chorus have enjoyed working with the students from Pinecrest High School.
“ It’s rewarding to see how they react the first time they create that unique barbershop sound,” he says. “If any other young men at Pinecrest High School want to try their hands at singing barbershop, feel free to join us. We meet every Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the chorus room. Also, if young men in other Sandhills community schools want to explore the possibility of starting a ‘Young Men in Harmony’ program, just give me a call at 295-3529.”
