Pride of the Valley Chorus - New Pages

Spaghetti Dinner 2008

vstaskey — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:59:34 CDT

Bass, Jim Wharton doctors his secret family 'recipe'

Our youngest member 'prepares' to wait tables!

Mike Roeder, the director's husband, gives a thumbs-up to Jim's special sauce!

Dave's grand-daughter loved salad!
(Keith did something special to it!)

Carol Davies and husband, Gomer, a charter member of the 'Pride of the Valley'

This man had the audacity to complain to the chef about the size of his portion!

Jim took care of him...and yes, Dave finished it!

Guy kept our orders straight!

Ray Miller & Dave Johnston, master waiters!

Our newest bass, Bill, and baritone Bob

Young Master Robert, tenor, with the dessert cart

Chorus wife Alice Starret catches up with Tony Saporito

Many many thanks to our patrons, chorus members who served and sold tickets,
to Cheryl Benson who baked a multitude of delicious sheet cakes,
and to Jim's family, Wendy and Stephanie Barbeau who spent many hours
helping to prepare and serve the feast.

Deepest appreciation to our saucemaster, Jim Wharton.
Nobody does it better!

It's Wheeling Steel II

vstaskey — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:02:17 CDT

Sing-outs

vstaskey — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:43:05 CDT

August 3, 2008
Before the service at Grace Presbyterian, Martins Ferry, Ohio

At the Marshall County Relay for Life, Friday, June 20th

At Shadyside Care Center, May 13, 2008

Salt & Pepper entertain the residents, staff and guests at the Shadyside Care Center.

Sing-out at Peterson Rehabilitation Center, May 6, 2008

The Pride of the Valley Chorus appearing as "The Singing Millmen"

and Guest Star, Peter Marshall

in the Wheeling Symphony's

"It's Wheeling Steel"

April 18, 2008

Chorus member Dyke Norman catches up with trumpet player,

Baird Kloss, the only surviving musician from the original

1930's-'40's radio show, "It's Wheeling Steel".

Peter Marshall and Ron Stillwell, tenor

Gomer Davies, bass, and the only retired steelworker

in the chorus!

Shirley Lenz, our director's mother, and Peter Marshall

Peter and "Five by Design"

Chorus members prior to singing the "Star Spangled Banner" for

the Wheeling Nailers, February 1, 2008.

Ohio County Relay for Life: August 9, 2007

Valery, chorus and volunteer "mic stand"!

Chorus in the Early 80's

vstaskey — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:49:37 CDT

Undated, but probably early 1980's photo of the 'Pride of the Valley' Chorus. Thanks for Bob Abel for indentifying everyone !

Row 1: Evan Rogerson, Guy Pryor, George Gross, Virgil South, Dick Aukerman, Bill Coleman, Melvin Riggs.

Row 2: Larry Newcomer, George Burwell, Bob Reitz, Bob Abel*, Harry Turner, Harvey Ashton, Frank Warner, Paul Danehart.

Row 3: Mike Pritchard, Don Winiesdorffer*, Jim Porter, Ray Gaughenbaugh,
Al Knapp*, Tom Godwin, Bob Templeton, Harry Wayt, Charlie Coleman.

* Still singing, after all these years...

Videos

vstaskey — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 10:09:40 CDT

If you double-click on the video, you can go directly to YouTube and see related videos...that is, if you want to waste hours of time on the computer, and well...

Every barbershopper loves The Music Man.
In this scene, Professor Harold Hill
famously introduces the school board to the
ultimate distraction...four-part harmony singing!

(Unknown, but entertaining 'amateur' performance)

Links

vstaskey — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:21:28 CDT

Harmony Camp (be sure to watch the video!)

What Is Harmony Camp?

Four days of fun for high school students, both young men and women, interested in vocal performance.
The camp will be held at The Ohio State University. Professional vocal instruction at an affordable price.
An opportunity to sing with and learn from talented performers.
A crash course in the intricacies of four-part, a cappella harmony.
Instruction and experience in singing technique and stage presence.
A performance in front of more than 2,000 barbershop enthusiasts.
Special attention will be given to student quartets.
A chance to make new friends from across the state.

Here's an excellent 2002 article with recordings, video links, historical information etc. by National Public Radio commentator Jim Wildman.
Visit this page. Click on the links. All of them.
The common image of a barbershop quartet is of white men singing four-part harmony, but the musical form actually emerged from the barbershops and street corners of African-American neighborhoods. In the latest segment of NPR's Present at the Creation series, Jim Wildman reports on the roots and styles of barbershop for Morning Edition.

Click on the apple to visit our district site!

The Johnny Appleseed District comprises all of Ohio, parts of West Virginia, the southwest corner of Pennsylvania, and one enlightened chapter in Kentucky. It's one of 16 districts in the United States that form the Barbershop Harmony Society. JAD is made up of over 50 chapters, each of which includes a chorus, made up of all or most of the chapter's members, and usually several quartets - although a quartet sometimes includes members from more than one chapter.

Click on the apple to visit our district site!

Transcript "West Virginia"--It's Wheeling Steel

vstaskey — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 23:10:32 CDT

"West Virginia" is a miniseries that was produced for West Virginia Public Television in the mid nineties. Many people, including state residents, are unfamiliar with the stories and history of West Virginia, and thus this film provides a great starting point for learning about this wonderful state. All of the major issues in state history are covered, from early settlement,to the Civil War and the birth of the state, to the unionization of the coal fields, and to modern times. If you are interested in the history of West Virginia, find a copy of this or watch for it on West Virginia PBS channels. It is also available at the Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling. The portion that documents the It's Wheeling Steel program, 'Did You See My Girls on the Radio' is in Part IV of the documentary. It is a very touching tribute to the men and women who worked in the steel industry in the Ohio Valley and to the indigenous talent.

[ Did You See My Girls on the Radio?]

Listen to the mill whistle. It's Wheeling Steel. On the dawn of a new year, this is the Wheeling Steel family broadcast from the headquarter city of the Wheeling Steel Corporation, Wheeling, West Virginia, with music by the....

[continues in background behind film narration]
["It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast]

On January 2, 1938, It's Wheeling Steel, a live radio program from the Capitol Theater in Wheeling, premiered coast-to-coast on the Mutual Network.

...We welcome thousands of our families. We extend also a hearty welcome to you other friends of Wheeling Steel, our customers and your families. For your enjoyment, It's Wheeling Steel.

There was nothing on the airwaves quite like it.

Headliner appearances on these programs are made by members of Wheeling Steel families or men and women right out of the mills, the factories, or the offices of the corporation. These are not acclaimed radio performers. Many in the course of these broadcasts will face the microphone for the first time. Others can claim a limited experience. In every case, their sincere efforts are to please their vast radio audience. (music and singing) The stars at night are big and bright... [singing and music continue in background behind film narration]
["It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast]

Among the amateur stars were the "Steel Sisters," a trio of high school girls; the "Singing Millmen"; and Sara Rehm, "the singing stenographer."
The show was the brainchild of John Grimes, Wheeling Steel's director of advertising. Grimes had first proposed the idea in 1931, but company executives were skeptical. Then, Wheeling, like other blue collar towns in the 1930s, was divided by labor troubles. Soon after Wheeling Steel signed a union contract with steelworkers in 1937, the company gave Grimes the go-ahead. A radio show could plug company products, and perhaps rekindle the feeling that Wheeling Steel was one big family.

They got the idea of the family broadcast and it wasn't very hard to do because Wheeling has always been a very musical city. Every little night club in town had a band and practically everybody in Wheeling either worked for Wheeling Steel or had a father or a mother or uncle or aunt working for Wheeling Steel.
[Earl Summers]

Open auditions drew hundreds of hopeful stars. Included were a millworker's three teenage daughters: Janet, Margaret June, and Betty Jane Evans.

My parents were very musical. My mother played the piano; my father sang. Everybody in the family sang. We used to have a saying at our house: "And the night shall be filled with music and the cares that infest the day shall fold their tents like the Arabs and silently slip away." That was our family philosophy. Don't worry when you go to bed tonight because that's already over with and you can't do anything about it. Just look forward to tomorrow. And we did that.
[B. J. Evans Gee]

"It's Wheeling Steel" was an overnight hit. LIFE Magazine published a glamorous photo essay on the cast. The show broadcast from the 1939 World's Fair in New York, then joined the NBC Blue Network. Millions of Americans tuned in every Sunday afternoon.

My mother was so proud of me. "Did you see my girls on the radio?," she always used to say. And we were just plunged into a brand new, whole life that people just don't expect to ever happen to them in a small town like Wheeling.
[B. J. Evans Gee]

We conclude the Wheeling Steel program earlier than usual today in order that we may hear the voice of the President of the United States.
["It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast]

Then, on December 7, 1941, "It's Wheeling Steel" was suddenly pre-empted by an announcement from President Roosevelt: America was at war. [Roosevelt's voice in background]
A second world war changed everyone's lives once again. Coal miners were called back to work, women hired on to keep mills and factories operating. Chemical plants along the Kanawha River expanded to meet the need for explosives and synthetic rubber.
In White Sulphur Springs, the U. S. State Department rented The Greenbrier to house enemy diplomats -- the nation's first five-star internment camp. Wheeling Steel converted its mills to weapons production and its radio show into a patriotic arm of the war effort. "It's Wheeling Steel" hit the road, playing at war bond rallies across the country.

Oh my heavens, in four years we sang so many songs. Everything was oriented to the war, like "Don't Sit under the Apple Tree" and "You'd Better Give Me Lots of Lovin' Honey while Your Honey's Still Around," "Miss You."
[B. J. Evans Gee]

Then, in 1944, John Grimes' health began to fail, and Wheeling Steel abruptly canceled its radio program. On June 18, "It's Wheeling Steel" went on the air for the last time.

It's Wheeling Steel direct from the stage of the Capitol Theater in Wheeling, West Virginia, and here is Carlo Ross. (music and singing) Got a feeling, I'll be steeling back to Wheeling, West Va." [music and singing continue in background]
["It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast]

We didn't know it was going to end. It was terrible because it was an end of an era for all of us that had been on. The song we sang was "We'll Meet Again, Don't Know Where, Don't Know When." And everybody on the stage was in tears. It was just awful. Even the audience was crying.
[B. J. Evans Gee]

Musicians returned to local bands; secretaries and steelworkers to the mill. The Evans Sisters went home, where they resumed a more normal life. But they never stopped singing.

Goodbye everybody.

["It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast]

Theme Song

vstaskey — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:57:08 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Undated Chorus Photo

vstaskey — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 10:14:23 CDT

This photo was taken sometime between 2000-2005.

Front Row: Dyke Norman, Don Winiesdorfer, Jim West, Harry Turner, Bob Abel, Evan Rogerson, Guy Saporito.

Second Row: Al Knapp, Don Kennon, Bill Starrett, Bryan Reising, Andrew Reising, Gomer Davies, Bob Wheat, Unknown (by me!), Reva Icard--Director.

Third Row: George Varlas, Keith Lawson, Ray Miller, Dave Mahlke, Jim Wharton, Ron Stillwell, Bob Games.

Chorus in 1989

vstaskey — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:08:57 CDT

Front Row: Evan Rogerson, Doug Potts, Harvey Ashton, Jay Bowman, Ray West, Ernie Duerr, Fred Delman, Melvin Riggs, Bob Abel*, Marilyn Delman--Music Director.

Middle Row: Dave Davies, Guy Pryor, Rickard Aukerman, Paul Palkovich,
Ray Miller*, Don Winiesdorfer*, Frank Warner, Bob Reitz, Bill Keefer, Charles Coleman.

Top Row: Harry Turner, Jim Porter, Tom Godwin, Marc Edwards, Bill Starrett*, Ed Dague, Russell Reed, Gomer Davies*, Bob Templeton.

This annual show was held at Martins Ferry High School in 1989.

* Current member. Still singing, after all these years...

Candid Rehearsal Photos

vstaskey — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:10:52 CDT

Singing Valentines

vstaskey — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:21:44 CST

The Pride of the Valley Chorus delivers "Singing Valentines" each Valentine's Day. This is truly a unique gift for that special someone. For $40, a quartet will visit your Valentine's home or place of employment, sing two love songs, present a long-stem rose, a heart-shaped box of candy, and take a commemorative photo placed
in a keepsake card.

To order, please call : 304-277-2392

304-845-7035 or 740-635-4510

Singing Valentines will be delivered on

Friday, February 12th, and

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

They’ll be saying “I love you” in song this month — and they’ll be leaving thousands of sweethearts speechless.

This year, hundreds of barbershop quartets across the continent will deliver Singing Valentines to thousands of special sweethearts. Listen for the sound of harmony in ofﬁces, factories, schools, and homes throughout North America. Wherever they appear, they’ll draw a crowd — and sometimes a few tears.

The quartets belong to the Barbershop Harmony Society, and it’s Wheeling affiliate, the Pride of the Valley Barbershop Chorus is ready to serenade your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. The price of a Singing Valentine is only $40.00, and includes two songs sung in barbershop harmony, a card, a long-stemmed rose and small box of chocolates. A photograph of your loved one will be taken with the quartet as a lasting memory of the event. Men and women alike are on the receiving end with moving results.

For over 15 years, Ohio Valley residents have been hiring quartets from the Pride of the Valley chorus to delight husbands, wives, bosses, co-workers, parents and grandparents with this unique and memorable gift. To reserve a Singing Valentine for your loved one, contact chorus members Keith Lawson at 304-277-2392, Bob Wheat at 304-845-7035, or Al Knapp at 740-635-4510. Valentine providers can be located on the World Wide Web at SingingValentines.com for out-of-town Valentines.

With nearly 30‚000 members in 800 chapters in the U.S. and Canada, the Barbershop Harmony Society is the world’s largest all-male singing organization. Through education services, music publishing, public performance, and competition, the Society preserves a rich heritage of uniquely American music for future generations.

The Barbershop Harmony Society

vstaskey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:18:38 CDT

Barbershop harmony: it's easy, it's fun, and you can do it too, as part of the world's largest all-male singing organization.

If you want to develop as a singer...

You'll find lots of opportunities to learn more about your voice and how to use it, through weekly meetings, workshops, schools and SPEBSQSA instructional materials.

If you're looking for a great way to relax with other guys...

You'll find loads of social activities, weekly afterglows, conventions and performances.

If you like to stretch your abilities...

You'll enjoy taking part in contests, presenting shows, and polishing your skills to their ultimate potential.

If you like to be a leader...

You'll find opportunities as a chapter leader, music director, teacher, or coach. You can find the satisfaction of helping others develop in their hobby.

Explore the world of barbershop harmony

Barbershop Harmony on YouTube
Try the 10- minute barbershop tutorial to get a quick overview of the Society.
What’s in it for me? See the exclusive member benefits.

Dive right in! 30,000 men are waiting to teach you a tag and join you in a song

Locate a chapter near you, with the Chapter Locator,

or send e-mail to membership@barbershop.org
Have a question on your membership renewal? Looking for a chapter contact? Send general inquiries to Membership Services at membership@barbershop.org.
Download a membership application now

The Barbershop Harmony Society Homepage

Spaghetti Dinner, 2007

vstaskey — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:59:20 CDT

Place cursor over photo for caption...

Photos

vstaskey — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:40:58 CDT

Spaghetti Dinner, 2008

Spaghetti Dinner, 2007

Candid Rehearsal Photos, 6/19/07

Sing-outs

Theme Song

1989 Chorus Photo

Undated Chorus Photo

It's Wheeling Steel, Part II

vstaskey — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:34:04 CDT

Excitement is already building for the Pops III concert when Remembering "It’s Wheeling Steel "Part 2 is presented Friday, April 18. "It’s Wheeling Steel" was broadcast coast to coast over radio in the 1930s and ‘40s from the stage of the Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling. This landmark program was a Sunday afternoon hit when families would gather around the radio to hear a variety of hometown talent. In fact, the program was so successful it became the fifth most popular program on NBC’s Blue Network of more than 100 stations that broadcast around the world during World War II. West Virginia University’s Dr. John Cuthbert, curator and director of the West Virginia and Regional History Collection, is again researching the script for the new program to ensure its historical significance. Guest artists for this program will be Five By Design, an exciting, critically acclaimed group that combines their signature harmonies with vintage fashions. The Washington Post heralded Five By Design's Kennedy Center debut with the National Symphony as "one of the best pops programs of the season." Another guest artist for this special presentation will be guest conductor Adam Glaser, a faculty member of The Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division and conductor of the Juilliard Pre-College Orchestra. The "Pride of the Valley" Chorus will again appear as "The Singing Millmen". Wheeling Symphony Orchestra

Transcript: "Did You See My Girls on the Radio?" from the mini-series "West Virginia".

Chorus Members

vstaskey — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:10:25 CDT

More Pictures & Bios Coming Soon!

Ray Miller, Baritone
I have been in a sales position for over thirty years, but have been enjoying music, and making music, for over forty years, from grade school choir, to playing guitar in a variety of popular music bands through high school. As an adult, I was involved again, shortly in a church choir, but I've been into Barbershop for over twenty years, and have loved every minute of it. Being a member of a quartet, The Valley Four, has been one off the highlights of my life. Singing in a chorus is loads of fun, but carrying your own part, and being responsible for your portion of the blend is what it's all about. When the quartet sings, and people listen, and better yet, are waiting to hear more, is a real rush. Each performance is rewarding in and of itself, but the highlight of the year is in the middle of February, when rain or shine, we bring a bit of warmth with our "Singing Valentines".

Watching a woman's expression change, usually a three phase drama, from "what is going on here", to "I can't believe this", to the time when the tear starts to well up in her eyes, is truly amazing. Each one is different, but each one is so special. I could go on forever describing the joys of the last twenty years, but it really has to be experienced first hand. So if you fellows like to sing, and would like to give this a try, come on out and jump into the "pool of harmony" and get a feel for what I have described. See ya soon!!!

W. Robert Johnston, Bass

Bob has been a member of the P.O.V. Chorus since January, 2006. His favorite thing about singing barbershop is performing in public, especially the annual show. He enjoys group singing, and he rarely misses a weekly rehearsal. 81 years young, Bob is widowed and the proud father of five, grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of six! An active leader in the Lutheran church, Bob worked for 38 years in the coal-fired power plants of AEP as an engineer- supervisor. He has been retired since 1989. Bob was born in Washington, PA and educated in Wheeling, WV, Charleston, WV and at the University of Cincinnati where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

We lost our friend Bob on April 23, 2009. May light perpetual shine upon him.

Johnny P. Wallace, Tenor

Johnny, a native of Bellaire, has been singing since childhood, and enjoyed singing in church and in the church choir. He grew up as the middle child, a sibling of five brothers and two sisters, and considers himself a "peacemaker".

He started singing barbershop with the "Valley Chordsmen" in Charloi, PA, under the direction of Tom Hawkins. Johnny was hooked on barbershop after he sang his first chord. "I feel happier after I sing a song", says Johnny.

A volunteer at the Bellaire Senior Center three days a week, Johnny helps to prepare meals for his fellow residents. He is also a substitute driver for the Center. As a member of Christ Church on Rock Hill in Bellaire, he serves as an elder. Johnny enjoys teaching others about God through both sermons and music.

Before "retirement", Johnny drove a city bus for the East Ohio Regional Transit Authority for 18 years, and served as a Firefighter/Engineer for the City of Bellaire for 10 years. From 1954-1957 he was a Paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division, during which time he completed forty-five jumps and served a one-year tour of duty in Augsburg, Germany.

Johnny's hobbies include singing, collecting greetings and salutations in foreign languages and playing the organ for his friends at the Senior Center. He loves playing practical jokes on family and friends...he enjoys seeing them laughing and happy. As a one-time hobby, Johnny went mountain climbing in the Swiss Alps!

"God first, family second and friends, third" are the three most important things in Johnny's life. He tries always to live by the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you shall have others do unto you". He always looks for those in need and helps them in whatever way he can. "Singing is a good way to touch people's lives and give them happiness, even if just for a short time", he says, "and that's very important!"

Sadly, we lost our good friend John on April 22, 2008. His cheerful countenance and welcoming smile, along with the happy memories of singing with him, will be cherished for the rest of our days. May flights of angels sing him to rest.

Music Director

vstaskey — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:40:17 CST

Our music director, Valery Staskey-Roeder, is a graduate of West Liberty State College's Department of Music, and studied music history and vocal performance at Bowling Green State University. Currently teaching music at Crittenton Services, she served as the Music Department Chair at Mt. de Chantal Visitation Academy until it's closing in 2008, is a 20-year member of the choir at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church . Other conducting credits include serving as music director for theatrical productions at Wheeling Jesuit University, The Strand Theater, The Cornerstone Project , Wheeling Catholic Central High School and the former Ohio Valley Chorale. She resides in Wheeling, WV.

The Valley Four

vstaskey — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:36:03 CST

Ray Miller, baritone; Dave Mahlke, Lead; Jim Wharton, Bass; Ron Stillwell, Tenor

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.

Salt & Pepper

vstaskey — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:52:39 CDT

Salt & Pepper at dress rehearsal for their appearance
on the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra's
"It's Wheeling Steel II" , April 18, 2008

Before dress rehearsal for "It's Wheeling Steel II"

Salt and Pepper performing at our annual show, 2006.

Keith Lawson, Tenor; Mike Fullerton, Lead; Jerry Moore, Bass; Bob Wheat, Baritone

Selling tickets at intermission at the Symphony...

Mike, Jerry, Bob and Keith at Oglebay Park

Bob, Jerry, Keith and Mike perform at a Gospel festival