Bernie Pastorella, assistant business manager of Men of Harmony, Inc., states the 30 members of the all-male choral group span Yardley, Bensalem, Bristol, Croydon, Fairless Hills, Holland, Langhorne, Levittown, Morrisville, Penndel and Upper Holland. Launched in 1951, they perform across Bucks County and beyond. To catch their show schedule, head to TheMenOfHarmony.com. On June 14, they're slated to perform at 7 p.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Church in Fairless Hills.
Brendan Krick
Yardley resident Brendan Krick says he heard about the group from a fellow member he knows, so he attended a performance at Bristol Day. "I enjoyed how the group sounded, and was looking for a fun, social hobby that would get me out of the house," he recalls.
Brendan states that he sang in high school choir and did musical theater. "But I hadn’t sang since then, until joining the group. I didn’t realize how much I missed it!" he exclaims.
What he believes that audiences enjoy most about the group's performances has to do with the authentic and instant bond prompted by melodious voices. "We live in a time where most music we hear is recorded. There is something magical about live music, a feeling that unites us. This is especially true of vocal harmony," he adds.
"People enjoy feeling connected to something human."
Lee Neamand
Lee Neamand, director of this choral group for more than 12 years, also resides in Yardley. Her father, Keith Summerville, of Fairless Hills, is a member of the ensemble, which formerly was called the United States Steel Chorus.
"As a child, I remember Men of Harmony visiting my school during the holiday season," Lee recalls.
Lee's been involved in music since fourth grade. She played flute and sang in choirs, and eventually became drum major of the Pennsbury High School Marching Band for the 1991-1992 season. She then became drum major of West Chester University from 1994-1996, graduating with a bachelor's degree in music education. She now serves as a music teacher and supervisor of Fine, Visual, Performing Arts in New Brunswick Public Schools, NJ. She also performs vocally and instrumentally with regional orchestras and Off-Broadway productions.
Regarding recruitment, Lee says requirements for this choral membership include "a willingness to work hard and try new things, have a love for music, a wish to share your talents with others, and you need to like to have fun; oh, and be male."
"Audiences enjoy the blend of tradition and contemporary. The copyright on some of the
music goes back as far as 1920," Lee says.