The Valley Four Barbershop Quartet began in 1998 when four fellows who truly enjoy singing decided to band together and perform four-part harmony. Since their beginning, they have performed all over the tri-state area...Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The quartet has performed for civic and fraternal organizations, church services, private parties, nursing homes, and even at a Catholic wedding. (Very high-mass, especially for Ron the tenor!)

They sing because they love it. The quartet was formed from members of our local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. The "Pride of the Valley Barbershop Chorus" has a performing roster of 25 men. The chapter by-laws restricts it's membership from using any monies raised for personal use --- so they sing for the joy of it and to raise money for charitable causes. Each year they donate both time and song to the American Cancer Society's " Relay for Life" in both Ohio and Marshall counties and have performed on TV for the Easter Seals Telethon and at numerous nursing homes throughout the Ohio Valley area.

Each Valentine’s day the Valley Four quartet delivers "Singing Valentines" , and this past Valentine's Day delivered 24 "Singing Valentines" and sang over 65 songs during the day!

The quartet currently has a repertoire of approximately forty songs.

Dave Mahlke is the lead singer. (The "lead" sings the melody part.) He is a retired manager of health and safety for the mining industry and is actively involved with the National Mine Rescue Association and Veterans of Safety. He is married and lives with his wife Katie, in the Clearview area of Wheeling.

Jim Wharton sings bass and is retired from several years in Sales and Marketing. He is married and lives with his wife Carolin, in Wheeling.

Ray Miller is the baritone singer. Ray worked with the Scott Lumber Co. in Triadelphia for several years and is currently employed with Lorenzi Lumber Co. of Lansing, OH. Ray is married and lives with his wife Judy in Elm Grove.

Ron Stillwell, tenor, recently retired from the Maintenance Department of West Liberty State College. He also is married and lives with his wife, Jan, on Stone Shannon Road in Ohio County.