About Us
Renaissance Rhythm Chorus
is a dynamic 25-member women’s chorus,
affiliated with Sweet Adelines International.
We are a close-knit group who love to sing, dance, entertain and compete! Every Monday night we cast our problems aside and gather to enjoy this wonderful hobby with the friends who have become so dear to us. It is more than a musical experience: it is an escape from the stresses and problems of everyday life.
It’s a place to have fun while sharing our common bond of music. We draw support from one another and become lifelong friends, all while honing our craft of 4-part acapella harmony through education, competition and performance and have fun in the process! Our members hail from eight Beaver County towns and Eastern Ohio. We are housewives, retirees, secretaries, engravers, college students, teachers, nurses, factory workers and physician assistants
who range in age from 21 to 80!
If your memory of barbershop music
is men in straw hats and striped vests singing
Sweet Adeline or Down By The Old Mill Stream,
you are in for a pleasant surprise.
Renaissance Rhythm’s repertoire consists of old time ballads, songs from your favorite musicals, rousing up-tunes,
a little doo wop, heart wrenching patriotic songs,
Christian music and everything in between.
If you like to sing, make new friends,
like fancy costumes and are competitive,
perhaps Renaissance Rhythm Chorus is for you!
Come and visit us any Monday evening at 7:30!
First Reformed Presbyterian Church
209 Darlington Road (Patterson Twp.)
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania 15010
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Our Founder
Lorida is the quintessential Sweet Adeline. This native of Freedom, Pennsylvania, was lured away from her first love, opera, into barbershop harmony over 50 years ago.
She has belonged to the former New Castle and East Liverpool choruses and also co-founded the former Beaver Valley Chorus.
Lorida’s many skills are not only derived from innate talents, but also from her vast experience. She sang Tenor in the "Heathertones," a quartet that won their regional competition and placed fifth at International Competition in 1960; placed second at International in 1962 and was crowned the International Champion "Queens of Harmony" in Oakland, California in 1963. Quite a whirlwind ride to the top!
On May 10, 1999, after many months of time, planning and effort, another jewel was added to Lorida’s crown when the Prospective Renaissance Rhythm Chorus held its first rehearsal. And ten years later, we so gratefully honor the talented lady who worked her magic and enabled all of us to be a part of this wonderful chorus "family!"
Renaissance Rhythm Chorus
Lorida Harvey, Founder
Our History
The first rehearsal of the Renaissance Rhythm Chorus,
with Director Gladys Stauffer, was held on May 10, 1999,
at the First Reformed Presbyterian Church,
Patterson Twp., Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.
Thirty-five prospective Sweet Adelines attended through the efforts of Founder, Lorida Harvey, tenor of the "Heathertones," 1963 Queens of Harmony.
At our first regional competition, Gladys won the Novice Director Award, an award given to a first-time director scoring the highest number of points in competition.
Upon the retirement of Gladys Stauffer in 2005, the chorus was fortunate to acquire Jeff Gehm, New Castle, as its director.
In addition to a B.A. in Music Education, Jeff brought with him 25 years experience directing, singing and coaching
in The Barbershop Harmony Society.
Just five short weeks after Jeff became our director,
he won the Novice Director Award at the 2005 regional competition, and by increasing our score by 40 points,
the chorus received the Most Improved Chorus Award.
RRC was also awarded a
Second Place Small Chorus Award in 2006 and 2008,
and a Membership Increase Award in 2007.
May 10, 2009 marked a milestone in our history as we celebrated our Tenth Anniversary.
Upon the retirement of Jeff Gehm in January, 2012, we are excited and proud to announce our new Interim Director,
Denny Price from West Middlesex, PA.
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More About Us
Click on the following links to read more about our chorus!
The first rehearsal of the Renaissance Rhythm Chorus,
with Director Gladys Stauffer, was held on May 10, 1999
Lorida Harvey
Denny Price
"It’s almost unheard of for a chorus that hasn’t yet received its charter from Sweet Adelines International to have an international show. Yet a Beaver County chorus, formed only last year, will do just that, in two performances Saturday in Chippewa Township."
-Sandra Fischione Donovan
May 12, 2000
RRChorus
Our Director
Renaissance Rhythm Chorus
Denny Price, Director
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We are excited and proud to introduce our new interim director, Dennis (Denny) Price. Denny has been active in the world of barbershop for 38 years with both the Mens Barbershop Society and Sweet Adelines International. He has directed men’s choruses in New Castle, PA and Canton, OH; and Sweet Adeline choruses in Youngstown and Hubbard, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA. Denny has also competed with various quartets during his barbershop career, placing 16th at International Competition with the Hot Air Buffoons. Having completed the Director Certification Program, Denny has earned the title of Master Director with Sweet Adelines International..
Denny and his wife, Margie, who is a member of Sweet Adelines, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of 3 children and 9 grandchildren. They enjoy motorcycle riding as time allows, and their pets Peedy the chihuahua and Pat the cat. But above all, they enjoy the music, competition and the special fellowship of Sweet Adelines.!
