Our Quartets
In addition to our full Barbershop Chorus, quite a few of our members participate in individual quartets. These quartets enter competitions and perform at both concerts and at small and large events. Some of our quartets are available for hire for your wedding, birthday party, a cheerful greeting, bar or bat mitzvah, or other function.
in a chord
In A Chord has over 100 years of experience in Barbershop singing and just getting started as an official quartet. Consisting of Zack Owen (lead), Mark Bentley (tenor), Bill Ballinger (baritone), and Pete Adler (bass), this quartet boasts a unique sound with its blend of voices.
Mark Bentley is the tenor and has been a member of the Society for 62 years (and counting). He sang with the quartets Cap’n Billy’s Whizbang, Plead the Fifth and Rockitz. He was the Baritone and Tenor Section Leader for the Hunterdon Harmonizers in New Jersey, and relocated to Virginia at the beginning of the Pandemic and joined the Virginians, where he is delighted to be singing with the chorus and now with In A Chord.
Zack Owen recently joined us as the Lead. He has had a long-storied history with the Virginians beginning at age 10 joining to sing beside his dad, Vic! In A Chord is honored that he has chosen us to begin a quartet career in Barbershop.
Pete Adler, our bass, always enjoyed singing and first sang in an organized group in his church choir. He was introduced to the hobby of barbershop singing in 2013 and joined the Society. In addition to numerous shows and performances as a member of the Virginians Barbershop Chorus and in a quartet, he has competed in BHS competitions as the Bass for the senior quartet, Rewind.
Bill Ballinger, the baritone, has been in the Society since 2000 finding peace and enjoyment in the Barbershop style both in the Virginians and several quartets on the way. He was fortunate to win the District Seniors Championship with the quartet, Dockside Harmony.
The elderly brothers
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 of the 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 currently is a consultant for the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.
Our Lead, Johnny Pollard, also joined Society in 1973. Johnny also has performed in several quality quartets over the years, including Commonwealth, Old Dominion Line, and The Elderly Brothers. He has performed with the Commodore Chorus for almost 50 years. Johnny is the owner of the Pollard’s Chicken restaurant chain in the Hampton Roads. He has yet to fully retire.
Our Bass, Norm Barbee, joined the Society in 2000. He also performs 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 currently is the Chapter Treasurer for the Norfolk Chapter.
Our Baritone, Bob Patterson, joined 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. Bob currently is the Marketing and Public Relations Vice President for the Norfolk Chapter and the Music and Performance Vice President for the Richmond Chapter.
Quartet Contact: Email rpatterson7@cox.net or text to (757) 675-4162 and ask for a return call.
Chordial
Late in 2018 Choridal was formed and is comprised of Andy Kain (lead), Chandler Pridgen (baritone), Rob Brocklehurst (bass), and Jeff Mauro (tenor). As the most senior member, Andy has been in the Virginians for 5 years, Rob for 3 years while Chandler and Jeff joined this past year. The quartet originally got together socially just to see if they could ring a chord. It worked, and they have been working together since then with the goal of competing. At the 2019 MAD Southern Division competition Chordial placed 8th overall and was the first place Southern Division Novice quartet!
They look forward to having the chance to sing for you.
Cheers!
