Our Director
Barney Johnson originally hails from Minot, North Dakota, and was transplanted into our community in 1992, after serving in the US ARMY at Fort Drum. He holds a BA in Music Education from Minot State University, and a Master’s Degree in Instruction & Curriculum from the University of New England. Here are a few items of interest:
Married (happily) for 33 years, to his adorably cute bride, Michelle. They are blessed with 3 amazing daughters; Lindsay (and Son-In-Law Stephen Syrell / Lindsay’s husband), Amber, and Chelsea (and their Son-In-Law / Chelsea’s husband) Kyle Rehnlund. Kyle is a HS Vocal Music Teacher and Stephen is a 4-6 Grade Band Teacher. Coincidence? One wonders if they have anything in common to talk about!?!?!?
Stephen and Lindsay became first time parents on June 26th to Lionel Franklin Syrell; also making Barney & Michelle first time Grandparents!
Teaches at the High School in the Oswego City School District.
Sang Lead with “Cornerstone”; 1995 Buckeye Invitational Champs and 1997 Seneca Land District Quartet Champs; a popular comedy quartet.
Published Arranger with the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS).
Chorus Director Coach and Trainer with the BHS.
Is an Elder at his church, teaches Sunday school, and a number of other various activities when he’s not trying to find something else to do in his spare time to keep himself busy!
Our Assistant Director
Roger Wells, Baritone and Section Leader, has been a member of the Oswego Valley chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), for 40 years, and has been a quartet member for 39 of them.
He enjoyed 43 years as a machinist before retiring in 2006, and now enjoys the retired life with his wife and in his garden. He enjoys just about every sport, indoors and out. He even has a track record!
The highlight of his years of being with the chorus was singing on our Annual Spring Show with his three sons known as the "Wells Four Go".
His greatest challenge at present, is being chair of Chapter Development, is to get the chapter more members.