Since our formation in late 2001, Free State Four has had several full time quartet members.....
Joe Hellner: The founding Tenor, Joe had to leave the quartet in late 2002 due to many other commitments. His voice part was filled by Brian Owen from the Chorus of the Chesapeake.
Wayne Jackson: The quartet's original Lead and founder, Wayne's idea was to put together a quartet from the Anne Arundel chorus for those performances the entire chorus could not accommodate. This activity blossomed into an increasing number of performances until Wayne's government job took him overseas. Wayne's Lead voice part was subsequently filled by Eric Fleishman.
Eric Fleishman: A front line man with the Anne Arundel County chorus, Eric quickly assumed the quartet's Lead role in early 2003. He was well received by all who encountered him. Eric later joined the Chorus of the Chesapeake and took a new job that required him to work in the evenings -- seriously hindering his chorus and quartet activities. His voice part was eventually filled by Dave Bankard, the quartet's original Bass.
Randal Krauss: As the founding Baritone, Randal enjoyed a long run with Free State Four. He was arguably the most talented member of the quartet, having experienced stage time with the Baltimore Symphony Chorus for several years until they disbanded in 2002. Randal shared in competitions and shows with the quartet until family duties called him away in the Fall of 2005. His voice part was then filled by Charlie Schlagel of the Bowie Knights of Harmony.
David Ashabranner: another government employee, filled the Bass part when Dave Bankard took over singing Lead. David is a member of two barbershop choruses: the Knights of Harmony and the Keystone Capital Chorus. Between work and barbershopping, his westie terrier, church, tropical fish and computers keep him busy at home in Laurel.
- Dave Bankard: Dave is the only remaining original quartet member, and sang his founding Bass voice part for four years. After Eric left, the quartet couldn't find a Lead singer that was a "good fit". Dave took up the slack, tried out, and became the quartet's full time Lead. His former Bass part was filled by David Ashabranner who sang with the quartet for more than a year. Upon David's departure, Dave once again became the Bass and his Lead voice part was filled by Tim Buell who hails from the Patapsco Valley Chapter's Heart of Maryland Chorus.
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