Barney Johnson

We may have missed a month, but we’re making up for it in style—August’s Member Spotlight is none other than the man, the myth, the “legend” himself: Barney Johnson!

Not only is it his birthday month (), but it’s the perfect time to honor a man who wears more hats than we can count (or he can count) and wears them all well.

Affectionately known as “the guy flapping his arms up front,” Barney is so much more than our fearless director. He’s our resident barbershop celebrity, having traveled the country (and even internationally!) as lead of the comedy quartet Cornerstone. Ask anyone in the barbershop world—they’ve probably shared a stage or a laugh with him.

Barney has served as our chorus director for many years and continues to be the first to arrive and the last to leave every rehearsal (and not just because he has the keys ). He’s sung just about every part, though his baritone soul can’t quite commit to just one. And when he's not directing, he’s also serving as our acting president.

We’re beyond lucky to have someone so dedicated, talented, and passionate leading the way.

Happy Birthday, Barney!

And a big thank you to his wife Michelle for graciously loaning him out to us several nights a week! we couldn’t do it without him!

Onward to the questions!

• What's one thing you're proud of accomplishing?" As this question focuses on an individual accomplishment, my choice is achieving my Master Degree nearly 25 years AFTER achieving my BA degree. Many of you have been around during the process and much encouragement, coffee abuse, sleep deprivation, and the like happened during those two years but, YES, that was HUGE! Thank you!

• "What's your favorite way to spend a day off?" Being able to spend time with my wife / family. My wife and I both work all the time and all of our family lives out of state. Those of you who have them nearby; I'm literally jealous!

• "What's a skill you'd love to learn?" Surprisingly, there are three, and they're all tied to left & right hand coordination! To learn how to play a trap set (drum kit), stick shift, and the piano better!

• "If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be? If "Kitchen Sink" or "Melting Pot" were a flavor, that would be me; everything thrown in...like my life! So, pretty much any flavor that has a hodge-podge of flavors in it; Rocky Road, Death By Chocolate, Brownie Cookie Dough Sundae... Man! Now I want ice cream!

• "What's your favorite dad joke?" Oh, you asked the WRONG guy that question! I have so many Dad jokes, I had to create a "Dada" base! But not to leave you hanging, Cliff, here's an oldie, a goodie, and some sage advice; "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you DO criticize them, you're a mile away from them.....and you have their shoes!" These, some other groaners I've used for MC-ing, and one-liners from Steven Wright are priceless!

• What item do you hope will be obsolete in 20 years? Not an item but a program; TikTok, or any platform similar to it that replaces or causes us to stop communicating face to face; it's a lost art!

• What is a food combination that people eat that you just can’t get behind? (For example, dipping French fries in Frosties.) HOLD ON!! What's WRONG with Frosty Fries?? My food combination NO-NO is me avoiding anything that I don't like; I judge not what others decide to put into their bodies. After all, they're the ones who have to pay the price when it decides to come out...or in what direction!

• Is a hot dog a sandwich? That is a tough question! Sub's, Hoagie's, and the like can be considered 'sandwiches' as it's a roll or bread with a meat item inside. The question remains; is a hot dog MEAT? I guess it depends on the maker or the holder!

• How many languages can you say "hello" in? So far, about 20, thanks to lots of trips, lessons, classes, and foreign exchange students at the high school! I can always learn more!

• What's the weirdest gift you've ever received? Two long stories for another day! "Reader's Digest" versions; my sibling's and I being forced to unknowingly open each other's gifts as a cure for snooping at Christmas time AND opening an actual wrapped up White Elephant at a 'White Elephant' Christmas Party! Classic!

• If you were a shoe, would you be the left or right foot? Yes! Never ask me a Two-Part question! OK, I'll choose. I'll choose LEFT because it's the outcast, the non-dominant, the forgotten, AND, it's the side that I have to learn how to

start playing racquetball or golf on after breaking my right elbow in 2019. Right gets a lot of the press; just trying to level things out a bit; no other reason, Twix fans!

• "If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?" Personally, and I'm so glad you asked, so much of today's world and our problems (starting with ME) are caused by our own selves, our own failure to realize that it's NOT about us, to admit that there's something and someone one much greater than us, His name is Jesus, and our need to be reconciled, redeemed, and restored. We can do NONE of this on our own. One thing I would change in this world is for the world to fully understand what UNconditional love is.

• What's a piece of advice that you've received that has stuck with you? So many people have poured their lives into mine over these short years; my Mom comes to mind the most! She raised 4 kids on her own during a much different era

where what is now commonplace was then shunned and became a very respected and honored lady in her later years. Of the many things she frequently told me (NO, being the most frequent), this has stayed with me through so many course changes in life; "Bloom Where You're Planted!" It doesn't matter the place, circumstance, or situation; make the most out of every opportunity and always give it your best! Thanks, Mom!

Brian Dice

This month we’ve dipped back into the waters of the lead section to highlight a truly selfless individual. Brian Dice has been a member of the chorus for 23 years and has done/been so much to this group. He’s held various roles on the chapter board – currently being our Immediate Past President… which means he was President of the chapter during COVID! He coordinated with many folks to keep us active as a chapter during that very dark time and it was his leadership along with the great team under him that kept us afloat. He currently serves as our Chapter Webmaster and helps in so many avenues – between running lights and sound for shows and assisting Classic Touch in recording learning media… I honestly think what this man doesn’t do is an easier list to write… but I digress. Onward to the stuff I know you are here for: Let’s get to know Brian a bit more through his words!

What’s your favorite self-care activity?

My favorite self-care activity is going to see a good movie, whether I’m alone or with someone.

What’s an unusual family or national tradition you have?

We usually open one present on Christmas Eve and Easter Saturday. We also buy Laker hockey tickets in July as one of our “Christmas Presents”.

What’s something from your childhood that you still love today?

Opening one present from each other on Christmas Eve, after Christmas Eve Mass.

What’s something that improved your quality of life so much, you wish you had done it sooner?

Coming out has improved my mental and physical health. I hadn't realized hiding who I was had been affecting my health so negatively, and so much.

What do your family or other loved ones think you do for work?

They think I ride around on a lawn mower all day.

What would you do if you had a fully paid year-long break from work?

I would take a trip to Indiana and visit the cities of my favorite books.

What’s the worst job you ever had?

The worst job was cleaning pots and pans at Cooper Dining Hall.

What fictional world would you most like to live in?

I would love to live in Narnia.

What healthy food tastes just as good to you as unhealthy food?

Apples taste just as good as unhealthy ones.

How would your best friend describe you?

My friends would describe me as the quiet, dependable problem solver.

Which question can you ask to find out the most about a person?

If every actor/musician were single and willing to date you, boy, or girl, who would it be, and why?

How do you approach learning something new?

I usually try to research as much as I can about it and find a good YouTube video or two.

What’s a piece of advice that has stuck with you?

My favorite piece of advice is, “Be your true self”.

What’s one activity that grants you pure escapism?

Reading or listening to Mark Roeder (yes, it is the correct spelling) book series.

What’s a personal side project you’re working on or want to work on?

Working on playing the Bass guitar.

If you could invent a holiday, what would it celebrate?

Reconnection Day. It would be a day without phones or tech devices and connecting with people IRL or by old-fashioned letter.

Kit Swartz

Continuing with the bass section for another month—since we’ve got a strong crew down there—we’re excited to honor one of our standout members this May. From the very first step he took into our rehearsal hall, Kit Swartz was as welcome as the flowers in May.

Though he’s only been in barbershop a couple of years, Kit brings a wealth of life experience. A retired pastor, a devoted husband, and a beloved member of his community, Kit’s presence is felt both on and off the risers. In fact, the chorus was recently invited to a “roast” held in his honor by friends and family—and you could feel the love in that room. There were plenty of laughs, affectionate jabs, and memorable stories.

Here’s a fun fact: the entire runtime of the roast was shorter than one of Kit’s average sermons! That tells you a lot right there. (Not serious )

Despite being relatively new, Kit has already given so much—especially his time. He’s stepped up when it counted (and even when it didn’t ), performing with the chorus at singouts and joining various quartet configurations to represent us in the community.

We’re excited to watch this “young man” continue to grow as a performer and as a valued member of this organization.

Now, let’s get to the questions before he unleashes the dogs of war!

If you had to live in a different country for a year, which one would you choose?

New Zealand. My wife, Karen, was an exchange student there.

What’s your favorite under-the-radar life hack?

I make greeting cards with graph paper, a straight edge and a universe of colored pencils and pens.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you win a gold medal in?

Procrastination. I have to beat myself with a rigorous schedule and self-imposed deadlines to overcome this tendency and get good things done well. My wife is a great coach so that I do not win a gold medal in this event!

Would you rather have a permanent clown nose or permanent clown shoes?

Shoes. I already have a clown nose!

What’s a cause or charity that means a lot to you?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ; namely, salvation by grace through faith and for faithfulness including the forgiveness of all a believer’s sins and deliverance from unspeakable death, along with the gift of all Christ’s righteousness for true life.

If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be and why?

Sleep. I would rather be reading.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

This is an actual quote from a very good friend: “Every once in a while, you say something that really makes sense.”

If you could add a word to the dictionary, what would you add and what would it mean?

“Fine”, as in “I’m fine!” Old word, new meaning: “I’m miserable but I don’t want to talk to you about it right now and maybe never!

What qualities do you value most in a friend?

Loyalty, including telling me plainly when I am wrong or foolish. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov.27:6a)

What's the weirdest food you've ever eaten, and would you try it again?

Marmite. Never again.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Stop being afraid. Be strong and be courageous because God is good, powerful and faithful.

Rice or Pasta?

Are Doritos pasta?

Would you rather be someone’s pet goldfish or a wild lizard?

A wild lizard being true to my created nature in well-ordered liberty or a pet goldfish whose owner acts for my greatest good and happiness.

Emerson Spear

A fresher face than most in the chorus.. we choose this month to highlight another member of our bass section. Emerson Spear is a fine addition for the chorus as he brings the average age down from deceased. He is heavily active in his church with his bride. He has experience and wisdom that makes him wise beyond his years. His enthusiasm is infectious and it's hard not to smile when you hear him sing tenor as well. Onto the questions...

What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever believed as a child?

Being a gladiator would be awesome!

"What's a skill you're currently trying to learn or improve?"

I’m trying to learn acoustic and electric guitar.

If you could have any pet, but it had to be invisible, what would you choose?

A box turtle, whose shell would keep it safe because I can’t see it.

What is your favorite breakfast? Lunch? Dinner?

Frosted shredded wheat, Italian beef sandwich, Pizza

"What's a weird or unusual fact you know?"

Humans are closer in scale to the entire universe than the elementary particles of the universe.

Who would your 12-year-old self say is their biggest hero?

Teddy Roosevelt

What's the funniest thing you've ever done while trying to be helpful?

My entire marching band and I got massacred by toddlers in a staged battle for a Make-A-Wish child.

What's an unexpected life lesson you've learned?

Confidently knowing what ISN’T your responsibility can bring a lot of peace.

If you could have any superpower, but it only worked when you were wearing socks, what would you choose?

Invulnerable skin

Which song can you listen to all day long?

Handel‘s Messiah

If you had to teach a class on one thing, what would you teach?

The Book of Ecclesiastes

Crunchy peanut butter or smooth?

Crunchy

Which actor would you want to play you in the movie about your life?

Chris Hemsworth

Bryan Newton

Another month means another opportunity to let our fans out there on Facebook get to know our brothers in harmony. This month we are featuring a gentleman (and he would tell me to use that loosely) who is a sixteen-year member to our organization. He has been in numerous choruses and quartets in several states. We are glad to have him back home. Bryan Newton (left) came back recently and has already made an immediate impact. He assumed a role in our board of directors, took over as lead section leader and is working with our music team. Bryan was recently honored as our 2024 Barbershopper of the Year. Bryan is currently serving as our VP of Youth in Harmony and chorus librarian. When he’s not barbershopping, he’s active with his racing team as crew chief and spending time with the missus. Question time…

What is your most used emoji? *crying laughing emoji*

What would you like to be known/remembered for? Being a kind person always willing to lend a hand, being selfless, willing to take the shirt off my back to help anyone in need.

What's a small act of kindness you were once shown that you'll never forget? When I was a young teen a small, family-owned race team took a kid they didn’t know under their wing just because I loved racing and kickstarted my entire automotive and motorsports career.

If you could be an animal, what animal would you be and why? Any bird of prey to be at the top of the avian food chain and have the ability of flight.

What is something you are great at cooking? Kraft Mac & Cheese or anything on the grill.

What's your favorite thing about the place you live? The fact that the property is mine (well, the bank’s) and it’s a sense of accomplishment working hard my entire life to earn enough to be able to buy a home and property. Earned, not given.

What is the best perk you have ever enjoyed at a job? Mostly employee discounts

Which song can you listen to all day long? Richest Man in the World by 1986 SPEBSQSA Gold Medalist Quartet Rural Route 4

If you were the captain of a pirate ship, what would be the name of your ship? “Arrrrgghhh” We There Yet?

What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Calimari and it’s SO GOOD!!

If you had 25 hours in a day, what would you do with the extra hour? Probably working on a side project or thinking up corny dad jokes to make someone laugh.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given? Two actually. First would be “Dare to be…” Second would be a quote from 14-Time NASCAR Cup Series Championship car owner Rick Hendrick. He has 3 basic rules for any of his employees. “Show up. Show up on time. Show up on time with your game face on.”

Jim Guyle

This month we are featuring a member who is a bit of a fresh face to our group, but he was introduced to barbershop at a young age. Last year Jim Guyle joined Classic Touch in the 22nd iteration of the quartet and more recently became bass section leader. He has grown significantly not only as a performer but as a leader in the chorus. Let the silly questions commence:

What's a sauce, condiment or dressing you couldn't live without?

Jim: “A1, hot sauce, Russian… Yeah I gave you all 3”

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Jim: “football player”

What's a small act of kindness you were once shown that you'll never forget?

Jim: “A police officer giving me a ticket for a broken speedometer because I was speeding doing 115mph in a 55mph zone.”

What's something you are craving right now?

Jim: “Raspberry torte!”

What would you do if you came home and found a penguin in your freezer?

Jim: “I’d next check and see if a Joker was in my refrigerator.”

What is your favorite smell and why?

Jim: “Purple lilacs. When my kids were small, they always got so excited in the spring to smell our purple lilacs. It’s a great memory I get every spring.”

Tell us about a stranger you still remember. What made them memorable?

Jim: “One time at a hotel pool a child jumped in who couldn’t swim. Once I realized he didn’t come up, I jumped in and grabbed him from the bottom of the pool. He was fine but all the other parents were yelling at me because they thought it was my kid who I left unattended.”

If you could give one piece of advice to everyone here, what would it be?

Jim: “Don’t let life pass you by, go out try something new, get out of your comfort zone and you will be surprised at how awesome you are!”

What color best describes your personality today?

Jim: “Purple!”

What looks ‘easy peasy lemon squeezy’ but is actually ‘difficult difficult lemon difficult’ for you?

Jim: “Asking for directions when I’m lost.”

What's your favorite thing about the place you live?

Jim: “My favorite thing would be living on part of the Erie Canal and all the history that goes with it. My house was built in 1820 and was a general store for people travelling by.”

We’ll interview and feature another member next month – Stay Tuned!

Member Spotlight

What makes our Chours a family of singers? Stop by each month to find out what lies behind those glasses, what makes that mustache twitch!