Smilin’ Through

“for a song, a smile, a celebration”

Quartet members are (left to right): Jerry Troxel (tenor), Dustin Hall (lead),

Harold Mathews (bass) and John McQuistion (baritone)

About the Quartet

Smilin’ Through is a quartet of men from the Indianapolis and Seymour chapters of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We met at a special barbershop quartetting function called the Indiana Harmony Brigade. The Brigade is a unique competition which brings in serious barbershop quartet men from all over the Midwest to compete in quartets formed by random draw. When we met at the 2003 Brigade, we instantly liked the harmonious blend of our voices, and formed our quartet shortly thereafter. We competed in our first District quartet competition in October 2004, and again each of the following 3 years. We really enjoy the camaraderie of singing together and performing for our audiences.

From the very beginning, we have been quite active in performing all over Central Indiana. Some of our recent performances include singing at the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, as a strolling quartet at the Edinburgh Outlet Mall and German Park’s Oktoberfest, and singing on the Indiana Harmony Brigade Show and on the Indianapolis and Seymour barbershop chapters’ Annual Shows. In any given week, you may find us singing at a wedding reception, church function, corporate event, or a birthday party. Throughout the year, the holidays are a favorite time for our quartet as we provide “Singing Valentines” as well as perform for many Christmas celebrations.

We have a true appreciation for the power that music possesses to help people forget their troubles, and to bring back fond memories of the past. No matter what life brings, we know how important it is that you keep counting your blessings, and always keep Smilin’ Through.

Meet the Guys

John McQuistion sings Baritone, and got his musical start at a young age, singing with the Brownies! (Seriously, his mother was a Brownie leader, so John started singing by learning all the campfire songs as they were sung at his house. He sure doesn’t sound like a Brownie, though!) John started singing Bass in the fifth grade, and switched to Baritone just a few years ago. He loves a cappella harmony, and has been a barbershopper for 13 years. John is a member of the Indianapolis chapter, and serves as its Program Vice President, Quartet Activities Chairman and Audio/Visual Coordinator. John works for Sensory Technologies, overseeing installation of sound and projection equipment for Distance Learning applications.

Bass Harold Mathews has been a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for eight years, and is a charter member of the Seymour chapter, where he has served in many capacities. His musical background is mainly instrumental, having played trumpet from fifth grade through high school. He was intrigued by barbershop harmony in college, but didn’t have the opportunity to explore it until 1998, when he was invited to help form a chapter in Seymour. Harold is a registered pharmacist, and currently manages the Wal-Mart pharmacy in Columbus, Indiana.

Singing the Lead (melody) part is Dustin Hall. Dustin has always enjoyed singing, and joined the Barbershop Harmony Society right out of high school in 2000. He is currently a member of the Indianapolis chapter, and also enjoys singing in his church choir. Dustin recently graduated from Indiana University, where he majored in Geography and GIS, and works for Pinnacle Mapping in Indianapolis.

Tenor Jerry Troxel has always had a passion for music. He sang in school choirs from fourth grade through high school, and enjoys singing in his church’s choir. He directed the handbell choir at his church for 18 years, and also enjoys playing the accordion. Jerry has been a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for twelve years, a member of the Indianapolis Chapter, Circle City Sound Chorus, and is currently serving as its immediate past president. He was also general chairman of the INDY 2006 Barbershop Harmony Convention committee. Jerry spends his working time as an IT manager for AT&T in Indianapolis.

Booking Information

Smilin’ Through is available to entertain at your next public or private function. We sing four-part a cappella music, primarily in the barbershop style, singing songs from all eras and for a variety of occasions. Do you have a birthday party, anniversary, holiday gathering, business conference or other special event coming up, and need some great entertainment? Give us a call! We’ll come Smilin’ Through!