Nonprofit View: Old Line Statesmen Bring Joy of Barbershop-style Songs to Carroll County

Opinion Nonprofit View

Nonprofit View: Old Line Statesmen bring joy of barbershop-style song to Carroll County -November 12, 2018

By Dean Carroll — Old Line Statesmen Barbershop Chorus

The Old Line Statesmen Barbershop Chorus recently went to Pleasant View Nursing Home, where we visited with, and sang for the residents — everyone had a great time.
The same is true when we went to Village House in Sykesville.
We sang the national anthem at Winters Mill High before they battled Westminster on the gridiron, and at City Park before a concert.
In fact, The Old Line Statesmen usually performs about 25 times a year at retirement homes, public events and charity affairs. We will be singing at The Festival of Trees later this year, to support The Shepherd’s Staff.
We like to sing, and people like to hear us. Whether it’s a Christmas concert, a singing valentine, a fun 50s Doo Wop ditty, or a Broadway ballad, the gift of song is a wonderful thing,
As we sing, we watch faces light up with joy, we hear voices join with us to sing along, we hear people laugh.

At Westminster, Maryland, this is from our June, 2017 Doo Wop show.
The Old Line Statesmen is a growing, thriving, a cappella singing organization, recognized as such by the Carroll County Arts Council and by those who hear us sing.
Our mission is to provide our audiences with entertaining performances that are diverse in content, and yet rooted in the tradition of four-part barbershop harmony. Our performances provide audiences, members, and prospective members with a source of enrichment, fun and fellowship by incorporating the qualities of humor, showmanship, variety, community involvement and audience participation.
Barbershop harmony is a way of life. Perfecting this musical art form takes commitment. When done well, our music reaches audiences on a personal level. You will experience personal growth, build self-confidence and create lasting memories as you work to sing with others, performing for a variety of audiences, from large concerts to intimate singing valentines.
Barbershop harmony is music in a very pure form created with nothing but human voices coming together to produce a rich and satisfying texture that is pleasing to the ears and invigorating to the soul. This began as men passed time at their barbershop singing spirituals, folk songs and popular songs. This tradition and joy lives on today in Carroll County and all over the world.
The Old Line Statesmen Barbershop Chorus embodies all of the above. Come on out for a visit and see if this is something you would enjoy. (There are no auditions, only a warm welcome.) If you like to sing and enjoy good camaraderie, we think you will have a great time.
Come hear us. Or better yet — come sing with us! We meet and practice at 7:30 every Monday evening at Carroll Lutheran Village in the Krug Chapel. But it’s best if you call first (410-795-5050), we might be out in the community, singing to our heart’s content, and the audience’s joy. Our web site is www.oldlinestatesmen.org. Look for us on Facebook by searching for the Old Line Statesmen.
Dean Carroll is the vice-president of marketing and public relations, and a bass, for the Old Line Statesmen Barbershop Chorus. For more information, call 410-795-5050 or visit www.oldlinestatesmen.org.

Article re-printed from Opinion/Nonprofit View,  Carroll County Times, November 12, 2018