Pride of the Valley Chorus - Recently Updated Pages

Annual Show

vstaskey — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:58:09 CDT

2009

25th Annual Show

Saturday, October 10th
Wheeling Park High School Theatre

There will be two shows, at 2:00 and 7:00.
Tickets available at the door...$10.00
12 & under free!

Guest Quartet

Park Avenue

along with our Chapter Quartets

The Valley Four

and

Salt & Pepper

Warming up for the 2007 show....

On stage at our 2007 show...

George is always so photogenic!

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

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.

Shows & Events

vstaskey — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:44:04 CDT

Singing Valentines

Date	Event	Time	Location	Chorus Attire
Friday, March 14, 2008	Star Spangled Banner for Wheeling Nailers	Gametime 7:35 PM	Wesbanco Arena
Friday, April 18, 2008	"It's Wheeling Steel", Part II (with the Wheeling Symphony)	8:00 PM	Wesbanco Arena	Concert attire: New vest & tie, tux shirt, black pants
Tuesday, May 6, 2008	Good Shepherd Nursing Home
Tuesday, May 13, 2008	Shadyside Care Center	7:00 PM
Friday, June 20, 2008	Marshall County Relay for Life	8:00 PM
Saturday, July 26, 2008	2nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner	4:00-7:00 PM Take-outs Available	Zion Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, WV
Sunday, August 3, 2008	Grace Presbyterian Church, Martins Ferry	10:30 AM		Singers arrive at 10:00 AM, Summer Attire
Friday, August 8, 2008	Ohio County Relay for Life	TBA	Wheeling Park	Summer Uniform
Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008	Rome Division Picnic		Pittsburgh	Chorus shirts
Saturday, September 27, 2008	24th Annual Show	2:00 PM & 7:00 PM	Wheeling Park High School Theatre
Friday, February 13th & Saturday, February 14th, 2009	Singing Valentines	Anytime!	Your home or office!	Call 304-845-7035 or 304-277-2392 or 740-859-6567 to order!
Tuesday March, 31,2009	Record radio program at OUE	4:00 PM	Ohio University Eastern
Tuesday April 14, 2009	Sing for Appalachian Ourtreach	Arrive @ 6:00 PM (Rehearsal afterwards in Moundsville)	Trinity Episcopal, Moundsville, WV	Attire TBD
Friday June 19, 2009	Marshall County Relay for Life	8:30 PM	Monarch Field, Moundsville, WV	TBD
Saturday June 20, 2009	Free Concert in Warwood!	7:00 PM	Garden Park, Warwood	TBD
Saturday June 27, 2009	Annual SPAGHETTI DINNER	4:00-7:00 PM	Zion Lutheran Church, Bethlehem WV	TBD

Chapter Quartets

vstaskey — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:19:03 CST

One of the greatest joys of singing barbershop is getting together with three other singers and forming your own quartet. The Pride of the Valley is fortunate to have two functioning quartets...Salt & Pepper and The Valley Four.

Check out their links!

Salt & Pepper

The Valley Four

Chapter History

vstaskey — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:17:19 CST

The Wheeling Metro Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society was officially founded in Martins Ferry, Ohio
on May 26, 1982.

In order to become an official member of the society, the charter members needed to be sponsored by an existing chapter.

A declaration of sponsorship was sent to the the S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A (Society for the Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America) headquarters in Kenosha, WI on June 9, 1981.

Report of licensed officers and membership for the newly-chartered chapter was sent to Kenosha on June 9, 1981.

Form of Agreement for Affiliation of Wheeling-Metro Chapter was granted on May 26, 1982.

The chapter's first meeting place was the Martins Ferry Elks Club at 14 North 4th Street in Martins Ferry, Ohio.

List of Charter Members

Jim Porter, Wheeling WV*

George Burwell, Yorkville, Ohio*

Bob Templeton, Wheeling, WV*

Paul Raab, Shadyside, Ohio

Paul Burnett, Wheeling, WV

Don Heskett, Rayland, Ohio

Al Knapp, Wheeling, WV***

Ron Warren, Moundsville, WV

Walter Hill, Martins Ferry, Ohio

Harry Wayt, Wheeling, WV *

Richard DiProsperis, Wheeling, WV

William Hill, Martins Ferry, Ohio

Fred Govern, Triadelphia WV

George Gross, Wheeling, WV*

Bob Reitz, St. Clairsville, Ohio*

Larry Newcomer, Martins Ferry, Ohio

Tom Tobin, Martins Ferry, Ohio

Frank Warner, Wheeling, WV *

Charles Coleman, Wheeling, WV

Gomer Davies, St. Clairsville, Ohio**

William Coleman, Martins Ferry, Ohio

Joseph Ontko, Martins Ferry, Ohio

Tony Allred, Wheeling, WV

Michael Davis, New Martinsville, WV

Greg Cecil, Moundsville, WV

Travis Smith, Martins Ferry, Ohio

Virgil Smith, Moundsville, WV

*Denotes Active Chapter Member until death

**Denotes Active Chapter Member through 2008

***Denotes Currently Active Chapter Member

Special thanks to chorus member Ray Miller for providing the information for this page.

Photo Archives:

1989 Chapter Photo

Undated Chapter Photo

Pride of the Valley Barbershop Chorus

vstaskey — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:28:21 CST

Welcome to our online home!

The "Pride of the Valley" Barbershop Chorus
Wheeling, West Virginia

Onstage after the Annual Show, 2008

At intermission with Peter Marshall and the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra
for "It's Wheeling Steel II"

Shows & Events

Wheeling Metro Chapter

Photos

We rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7:00-9:00 PM at
Zion Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, WV.

Singing Valentines

vstaskey — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:37:53 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 740-859-6567

Singing Valentines will be delivered on
Friday, February 13th, and
Saturday, February 14th, 2009

Music Director

vstaskey — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:09:31 CDT

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 St. Michael Parish School, 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 with husband, Michael Roeder and his daughter, Sara.

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!

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

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"!

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

It's Wheeling Steel II

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

Spaghetti Dinner, 2007

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

Place cursor over photo for caption...

Theme Song

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

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

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.

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!

Chapter Meetings

vstaskey — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:13:03 CDT

The Chorus rehearses every Tuesday evening from 7:00-9:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, WV. A typical chapter meeting begins with physical and vocal warm-ups, singing a few old standards, learning new music, and reviewing our repertoire for 'sing-outs'. There's always plenty of music & laughter.

Feel free to drop in at any time!

Zion Lutheran is located at 16 Ridecrest Road, directly on Rt. 88 in Bethlehem, WV. It is easily accesible from I-470. Take the Bethlehem exit, and turn onto Rt. 88 between Wheeling Nissan and the Farm Fresh. You will see Zion Lutheran on the left.

The entry door to our rehearsal space is in the rear of the building.

Map & Directions

Zion Lutheran Church

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...