Often I have written about ways to encourage quartet activity and the advantages and good points of singing in a quartet Still we somehow fail to form new quartets and seem to have many members who are reluctant to stand before the chapter and sing in a quartet. I have often pointed out the information available on the Society web site pertaining to quartet singing (and singing in general).

One of the articles on the Society web site is, "15 ways to build quartet singing in your chapter" by Ray Scroggins. #15 in this list of recommendations is titled "Keep the glow alive." Herein, Ray points out that some of the most fun singing occurs after rehearsal when any four guys get together informally to sing in a corner, in the hall or at the "Afterglow."

I can remember not too many years ago when our afterglows were always well attended, active weekly events. Often, outsiders would drop in just to hear the quarteting and gang singing that took place. More recently, our afterglows are so sparsely attended that some nights there is not a single quartet due to lack of all four voice parts.

I often hear complaints from some members that they don't get enough chance to "socialize" on Tuesday nights. Those same members are not at the afterglow and thereby miss out on the chance for some real fellowship and the chance for some relaxed singing. So my point is; why do you have to rush home at 9:30? Come on out and experience some camaraderie and just maybe you'll even feel inclined to participate in some quartet singing.

With respect to our chapter quartets, The Melodaires finished out 2004 by singing for the Lower Burrell Garden Club on Dec. l4th and then started off 2005 with a performance at the St. Anne Assisted Living Center in Greensburg.

Random Choice started 2005 by singing at the Bryn Mawr Apartments on Jan. 9th at an 80th birthday party for Alma Bogacki. On Jan. 10th, "RC" introduced the North Hills Chapter to the barbershop arrangement of our national anthem and then did a short performance. Jan. 14th the quartet did a performance at the McKeesport chapter officer installation dinner. That night they used Frank Petroy of North Hills to sing lead as Jim McCarthy was not available. RC finished out January on the 20th singing for residents and guests at the Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Monroeville.

In another bit of quartet information, Kenny Williams of South Hills Chapter is now singing tenor for the Travelers. The Travelers will be performing on our annual show in May.

Dave Alden (previously of Greater Pittsburgh and now with Pittsburgh Metro) starred in January as one of the principle characters in the Pittsburgh Savoyards producUon of the G&S operetta, "The Gondoliers," at the Carnegie Library Music Hall in Carnegie.