Chordial Connection is a barbershop quartet registered with the Barbershop Harmony Society (formerly the SPEBSQSA). Singing a cappella in close four-part harmony, Chordial Connection was formed in 1996 for the fun and excitement of performing songs in the barbershop style. A registered quartet singing with the Tunkhannock chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the quartet members collectively have more than 125 years of rich singing experience. Each member displays a particular fondness for gospel songs and hymns, in addition to a broad repertoire of Barbershop favorites.
Ty Williams, our Tenor, has been singing as a soloist for audiences throughout the world for more than 60 years. In ensemble, he sang baritone with the Randolf Blue Notes in Texas. Initially as a Barbershop lead he sang with the San Antonio Chordsmen and the Wyoming Valley Barbershop Chorus. He currently sings bass in his chancel choir. We wish he’d make up his mind!
Bill Shaffer, our lead, began his singing career 40 years ago as a boy soprano soloist in his church’s children’s choir. Late he joined with his brother and cousins in a gospel quartet. By 1995 he became a barbershopper and was soon chosen to be the Lead Section leader in his chorus. His previous quartet, The Loose Connection, won the first place trophy in the Open Division og the 2000 Black Diamond Area Novice Quartet contest. We call him Mr. Smooth.
Lou Volpetti enriches our quartet with his mellow and wide ranging baritone voice. In addition to his quartet work, Lou in an active member of two barbershop choruses and has served in elective and appointed posts many times during his 22 year tenure. He started his musical experience as a young accordion player – honestly admitting being able to play only in C-major (OK, we forced him to admit it) but sing in any key. Apparently, possessing more talent than we expected, Lou also sings bass in his church choir.
Marty Wise, our bass, is our quartet’s only musician (Lou gave up the accordion by his family’s and neighbor’s popular demand). Marty’s singing began in his church’s youth choir, and continued with the chancel choir through high school. While in college, he sang with the Penn State Glee Club. Marty also plays trombone with an American Legion band and does some music arranging for our quartet and the Endless Mountains Chorus. A sometime chorus director/teacher, a computer programmer, electric technician, mechanic, wood craftsman and assistant scoutmaster (along with talents we probably don’t know about), we haven’t found anything the guy can’t do (except maybe sing baritone – and we’re not even sure about that)!