Sons of the Severn Find Harmony at Trinity United Methodist Church

The Sons of the Severn barbershop chorus harmoniously settled into its new meeting and rehearsal space at Trinity United Methodist Church at the end of June.

“This location is fantastic,” said Paul Yannuzzi, booking manager and vice president of chapter membership.

The chorus had practiced at Annapolis High School for three years. Yannuzzi noted “the high school was nice, but sometimes there was a noisy brass band in the next room.”

Beside acoustic issues, there were other reasons to find a new space for the group.

“We decided to move to the cultural center of Annapolis," said T.J. Barranger, music director. "We came here and performed for the church, and they liked us so now we have this warm, inviting atmosphere.”

During meetings, the chorus socializes, practices quartet and chorus singing, discusses business and more. Baranger said the chorus is spending the summer getting ready for a district competition in October.

Founded in 1949, the Sons of the Severn saw many changes during the past six decades. Membership peaked in the 1980s, the same decade it left Annapolis for Glen Burnie, where it stayed for 20 years before moving to Annapolis High School.

“Like any fraternal organization, membership has dwindled,” Barranger said. “It’s so easy to connect with people without leaving home. There are smartphones, cable, satellite … It’s not unique to barbershop.

“We’re good at bucking that trend and always looking to grow the group. There’s no limit on members—some choruses have 12, some 150. We have 26 members on the roll, and about 18 to 20 of those are active. We’re looking to double that in a year. For the youth, singing is coming up. Look at American Idol, Glee and America’s Got Talent.”

One of the youngest members, Chris Pascucci, joined a year ago.

“I always sang," Pacucci said. "I graduated college two years ago and, before graduating, I was in a music fraternity and did other music things. Then I moved here for work and didn’t sing for a year. Then one day, I was at Arundel Mills Mall shopping. I heard these guys ... and went over to talk to them.” 

President David Bankard has been a member for 28 years.

“There are guys here from all backgrounds and professions," Bankard said. "There’s a retired school administrator, a medical doctor, a database engineer, retired military, all different walks of life. The common thread is we all love to sing.”

The chorus makes time for service projects. At a recent meeting, Bankard read aloud a thank-you card from a writer whose house had burned down. The chorus purchased a new computer and printer for her so she could continue her writing and start rebuilding her life. They also hold benefit concerts for various causes, serve as musical ambassadors for Annapolis, and regularly sing for senior organizations.

Surprisingly, some men in the Sons of Severn were encouraged to join by wives who wanted their retired husbands to get out and about.

“My wife went to a walkathon and a barbershop quartet was there," Ed Huelsenbeck said. "She got a card from them to give to me. She said, ‘You’re going,’ because I had just retired from the National Guard.”

The Sons of Severn are a good fit for Huelsenbeck.

“I’ve always loved singing: I’ve done the choir and solo stuff at choir," he said. "This is a good group. It’s all gentlemen of like minds. These are my friends now.”

Another member was also encouraged to join by his spouse.

“The reason I joined is my wife,” Yannuzzi explains. “I’m a retired school teacher, and she has a friend who was a member. He called me three weeks in a row, saying, ‘Just come.’ Finally I did, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I really wish I’d done it 20 years earlier.”

Most members first joined the Sons of the Severn Barbershop Chorus for the singing, but found themselves staying for the camaraderie. In its new central and accessible location, they are bound to be in increasingly larger company.

Curious?

The group is looking for new members.

“You don’t have to be a pro," Barranger said. "If you can match pitch, we can show you how to do it. We want to meet and hear you before you say, ‘I didn’t think I could match pitch.’”

The Sons of the Severn meets 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays at the Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 1300 West St. in Annapolis. Call 410-674-7165 or visit the website for more information.

Future Sons of the Severn Events

• Aug. 20, Flea Market fundraiser at Glen Burnie United Methodist
• Sept. 17, performance at the Anne Arundel County Fair
• Sept. 23, Bull and Oyster Roast fundraiser at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie
• Sept. 25, the chorus runs the beer booths and will receive a portion of the profits at the Maryland Renaissance Festival
• Check facebook for more events.

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