Today we’d like to introduce you to The Keystone Chorus Carole Panno.
Hi The Keystone Chorus, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The men of the Keystone Chorus have been ringing Barbershop chords since 1957. Ranging in age from 40 to nearly 100, the group sings everything from Barbershop classics like “Lida Rose“, “My Wild Irish Rose” and “Sweet Adeline” to the four part a cappella harmonies of “Hello Mary Lou,” “Route 66”, and straight on to more modern pieces like “Sweet Caroline” and “Brown Eyed Girl,” to name just a few.
The group fully enjoys performing for local retirement centers, community events, farmers markets and fairs. They are often called upon to sing the National Anthem, God Bless America, and even the Armed Forces Medley.
They rehearse weekly at a church in the South Hills of Pittsburgh and pride themselves on rehearsal evenings filled with laughter, smiles, and great fellowship with other music lovers!
The group is “small but mighty” and even managed to survive COVID. For approximately two years, the group had rehearsals via Zoom…not easy when you are supposed to be singing together! Even the oldest members of the group (most now deceased) did their best to embrace meeting virtually. Not only was meeting tough, but our bank account was nearly depleted, since our funding primarily comes through booking gigs. We also held events like our annual holiday party via Zoom.
Today, we are proud to have survived such an unexpected time and are back to bringing harmony to organizations and events throughout the Pittsburgh region.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As mentioned previously, COVID presented numerous challenges. Today, our biggest struggle is recruiting new members. Older guys often want to participate but are not able; younger men seem to have too many other commitments (such as young children) or simply are not interested in singing and/or committing to the organization.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The fast that this is old-school, a cappella harmonizing from an entirely male chorus sets us apart…not that other all-male choruses don’t exist; but many of the choruses are small in size, as we are.
Some choruses are choosing to go to “all voice,” deciding to include women to increase in size. However, this really does take away from the distinct sound of the music/harmonizing.
Also, once a year (pre-COVID twice), the guys prepare a one-and-a-half hour show.
Would be happy to elaborate via a conversation…not sure what all to provide that may be of interest.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Not sure how to answer this from the perspective of a whole group/chorus. The guys work hard…and several of us put a lot of effort into PR and marketing…so not sure how much is “luck” vs. “pounding the pavement’ and practicing hard!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pghkeystonechorus.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeystoneChorus
