About Us

Mission Statement
​It is the purpose of the Barbershop Harmony Society to preserve and encourage that four-part, a cappella, close harmony style of music known as Barbershop! To this end, the mission of the Norfolk, Virginia Chapter is to promote public performance of four-part, a cappella, harmony in the American Barbershop style by:
  1. ​Strive to serve the musical needs of all current and potential members by providing and actively supporting a wide variety of barbershopping opportunities which may include organized quartetting, pick-up quartetting, chorus singing, and group or “gang” singing;
  2. Sharing our love of Barbershop Harmony in this community, thereby perpetuating the music for the future;
  3. Promoting vocal music education and appreciation, most particularly in schools and in our community;
  4. Striving for excellence in all performances and competitions.
​In so doing, we shall conduct ourselves in a spirit of fellowship and harmony, whereby friendship and chapter growth is encouraged.

 

Chapter Purpose
The purpose of this chapter shall be to perpetuate the old American institution, the Barbershop Quartet, and to promote and encourage vocal harmony and good fellowship among its members; to encourage and promote the education of its members and the public in music appreciation; to initiate, promote and participate in charitable projects; and to promote public appreciation of barbershop harmony. ​

Our quartets

Elderly Brothers

quartet

Members of the Norfolk and Richmond Chapters of the Barbershop Harmony Society have come together to form The Elderly Brothers quartet that has a combined 160 years of experience! 

Our Tenor, Mike Wallen, joined the Society in 1973. Mike was with the Alexandria Harmonizers for more than 20 years and was Associate Director. Since 1998, he has been with the Richmond Virginians, serving as Director and taking the chorus to International Competition and many
other exciting venues. Mike has sung all four voice parts in different quartets, including Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Copyright ’86, The Entertainers, Casino, Last Kids Picked, Youth Reclamation Project, Quirks of Art, and The Elderly Brothers. Mike retired from the U.S. Army and is a consultant for the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.

Dave Edgington is our Lead and  joined the Society in 2013. A retired U.S. Air Force Major General, Dave  worked as a Consultant for a few years after retiring from the Air Force.

Our Bass, Norm Barbee, joined the Society in 2000. He sings with the Commodore Chorus, as well as The School Board quartet and The Elderly Brothers. He previously sang in the Chapter Four Quartet which was Division Novice Quartet Champion in 2000. Norm retired from the U.S. Navy, and later from Boeing Company. Norm is the Chapter Treasurer for the Norfolk Chapter.

Our Baritone, Bob Patterson, joined the Society in 1983. He sings with the Norfolk Commodore Chorus and the Richmond Virginians Chorus. A retired government contractor, Bob has sung in several quartets, including Four Good Measure, Chord on Blue, and The Elderly Brothers. 

Quartet Contact: Email the.elderly.brothers8@gmail.com or text (757) 675-4162 and ask for a return call.

the school board

quartet

The School Board quartet came together in 2012 to answer a request from Tallwood High School’s theater department. The request? They were looking for experienced barbershop singers to portray the argumentative members of the River City school board in their upcoming production of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man”. Ross Wilkins, WD Bankart, Norm Barbee and Ron Soreil answered the call and had an absolute blast performing with the talented cast. We decided to stick together after the production was over and are ready to sing for you!

Happy Together

quartet

In 2019 the Barbershop Harmony Society created an initiative called “Everyone In Harmony”. Happy Together is a mixed quartet that includes members from both the
Norfolk and Richmond Chapters. Arlene Constant (tenor), Kathy Mussleman (lead), Jerry Candrilli (baritone), and Jim Bova (bass). Happy Together shares their friendship and love with singing to anyone willing to listen. While currently only singing at official chapter shows, they are a registered quartet with BHS and look forward to where the future leads.