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Reviews and Testimonials
Read some articles about our great shows!

Awards and Recognition
We've worked hard, and we've got some awards to show for it!

Photo Gallery
Come see how much fun we have!

Community Activity
Check out the great work the Heralds do in the Tampa bay area.

Chapter Mission Statement
This is what we're all about...

Leadership Team
Need to find someone in particular?

Newsletter Archive
Come get up to date on all the old news!

Chapter Quartets
We're not just a chorus -- check out our wonderful quartets!

Helpful Web Links
A variety of internet links you might find useful...



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Meet our Leadership Team!

PositionName
Board of DirectorsNick Schwob
Lou Wurmnest
Steve Matheson
Al Kelly
Bob Morrissey
Bill Phipps
Lee Lawrence
Lynn Hineman
Joe Kane
John Pennington
Bruce Yeager
Chapter PresidentBob Morrissey
Chapter SecretaryLou Wurmnest
Chapter TreasurerAl Kelly
Chorus ManagerNick Schwob
Communications DirectorBrad Grabill
Financial DevelopmentBill Phipps
Guest Artist HostJohn Solak
Heralds Rookie Program ManagerMark Tuttle
Immediate Past PresidentNick Schwob
Learning Aids ManagerBrian Weber
Music DirectorBill Billings
Music Director, AssistantJeff Lathom
Music LibrarianJim Colvin
Nominating Committee ChairmanBob Weber
Quartet Activity ChairmanJohn Pennington
Sergeant-At-ArmsBob Buhlmann
Tag Team CoordinatorJoe Kane
Ticket ChairmanRussell Powell
Uniform and Costuming ManagerDick Sipple
Valentine Day Program ManagerBob Buhlmann
Vice President for Performance SalesDave Roberts
Vice President MarketingSteve Matheson
Vice President MembershipBruce Yeager
Vice President Music and PerformanceJohn Pennington
Youth Outreach ManagerArne Helbig


 

Board of Directors - Nick Schwob, Lou Wurmnest, Steve Matheson, Al Kelly, Bob Morrissey, Bill Phipps, Lee Lawrence, Lynn Hineman, Joe Kane, John Pennington, Bruce Yeager

The HoH Board of Directors is a group of elected and appointed individuals who serve the needs of the Heralds by regularly conducting the official business of the chorus in accordance with the adopted bylaws of The Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony.  They also serve as the designated representatives in all official/legal matters that concern the chorus.

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Chapter President - Bob Morrissey

Bob Morrissey

Bob joined the Manchester, Connecticut chapter and its Silk City Chorus in 1971 where he sang bass and served in a variety of offices , including two terms as its president, until joining the Heralds in 2004. He continues as a dual member with Manchester.

He also has worked on a variety of communications-oriented committees and task forces for the Barbershop Harmony Society, is a former member of the Society's international Board of Directors, and has served as master of ceremonies at numerous district and society contests and events.  He is a member of NEWCANEWENG (the Northeastern District's honor society), and is a charter member of the Harmony Foundation's President's Council.

Bob is a retired corporate communications executive with a total of nearly 35 years of experience at United Technologies in Hartford and  the former Florida Power Corporation in St. Petersburg.

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Chapter Secretary - Lou Wurmnest

Lou Wurmnest

Lou is a second generation barbershopper. His dad sang with the Peoria Barbershop Chorus in Illinois and took Lou along to many of the rehearsals. That was back in the early 50's when it was exciting to go to barbershop shows with quartets like the Mid-States Four and the Buffalo Bills.

When Lou got into high school, other activities took priority but he stayed singing in the school chorus all through high school and his freshman year in college. Many years passed and many barbershop annual shows were attended in the following years until 1986 when Lou discovered a chorus in his new hometown of Manchester, Connecticut. It was then that he joined a chorus and the society. While a member of that chorus he served as Program Vice President and as President. He also sang in two quartets in Connecticut and enjoyed competing in the spring and fall contests.

Lou worked as an Engineering Manager at Milton Bradley, the game company, and retired from there in 1998. After moving to Florida that fall, he joined the Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony. In 2002, Lou became a Chapter Counselor for the Sunshine District and became Secretary for HOH at the beginning of 2006.

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Chapter Treasurer - Al Kelly

Al Kelly

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Chorus Manager - Nick Schwob

Nick Schwob

Joined the Tampa Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society on December 9, 1996. Became a member of the Board of Directors in the Chapter as Administrative Vice President for the years 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Assumed the duties of President of the Chorus in March of 2003 and remained in that position for 2004 and 2005. Became the Immediate Past President and the Vice President of Events on the Board for 2006.

Assumed the Co-Chair Show Chairman for the Chapter Annual Shows and the Christmas Shows for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and Show Chairman for 2005 and 2006.

Sang with the performing chorus at the International Conventions starting in 1997 through 2005.

Secretary for the Tampa host chapter for the Mid-Winter Convention in Tampa in 1997. Took the position of Chorus Manager for the chorus handling the housing arrangements and registrations at the International Conventions in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

I was extremely fortunate to be given the honor of Barbershopper of the Year for the Heralds of Harmony, Tampa Chapter for the years 2003 and 2005.

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Communications Director - Brad Grabill

Brad Grabill

Brad began his barbershop experience with The Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony by attending their annual show in 1998, when some generous Herald gifted him with a seat in the nosebleed section.  That's all it took! He attended his first rehearsal two weeks later, and has never looked back. 

For twenty-two years Brad served as a pastor, working with congregations in California, Indiana, and Florida.  Since 1999 he's been a teacher and department leader at The Cambridge School in Tampa.

In 2000, along with three fellow HERALDS, the quartet ?Songfellows" was formed with Brad singing lead.   Within the Heralds, he assists the chorus in preparing the weekly newsletter, acting as web master and facilitating various organizational communications. He also frequently acts as the chorus MC, helps with chorus auditions and lugs risers!  But, of course, the best part by far.... is the singing!

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Financial Development - Bill Phipps

Bill Phipps

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Guest Artist Host - John Solak

John Solak

Currently serve on HoH Board and as Guest Talent host.

Joined the Heralds when Bill Billings was director in 1983. Have been to all 14 International appearances with HoH.    In the past have served as Board Secretary and Riser Chairman.

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Heralds Rookie Program Manager - Mark Tuttle

Mark Tuttle

Past President of St. Louis Suburban Chorus
(President 3 yrs in a row.  Membership chairman, Secretary) 
Member of Belleville Bell Notes Chorus. 
2 Yrs in a row President, Secretary, Treasurer, Program VP, Show Chairman and Southern Illinois Bulletin Editor, Chapter bulletin Editor)

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Immediate Past President - Nick Schwob

Nick Schwob

Joined the Tampa Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society on December 9, 1996. Became a member of the Board of Directors in the Chapter as Administrative Vice President for the years 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Assumed the duties of President of the Chorus in March of 2003 and remained in that position for 2004 and 2005. Became the Immediate Past President and the Vice President of Events on the Board for 2006.

Assumed the Co-Chair Show Chairman for the Chapter Annual Shows and the Christmas Shows for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and Show Chairman for 2005 and 2006.

Sang with the performing chorus at the International Conventions starting in 1997 through 2005.

Secretary for the Tampa host chapter for the Mid-Winter Convention in Tampa in 1997. Took the position of Chorus Manager for the chorus handling the housing arrangements and registrations at the International Conventions in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

I was extremely fortunate to be given the honor of Barbershopper of the Year for the Heralds of Harmony, Tampa Chapter for the years 2003 and 2005.

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Learning Aids Manager - Brian Weber

Brian Weber

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Music Director - Bill Billings

Bill Billings

Bill has a long, distinguished history and record in barbershop, having joined the Society in 1968 where his father and grandfather were members. Bill has been an active quartet singer throughout his barbershop career and has won the Sunshine District Quartet Championship with Cheerful Noise (1986), Backbeat (1993) and Bayside Edition (1997).

 His talents and abilities as a performer have brought many rewarding moments and awards including a Bronze Medal with The Sidekicks in 1989 (1988-1990) and another bronze in 1995 with Backbeat (1992-1997).  He is a regular coach, clinician and faculty member at HEP schools and has produced many shows for the Gainesville, St. Petersburg and Tampa Chapters. Bill was honored as the 2002 Sunshine District (State of Florida) Barbershopper of the Year.

 Bill?s directing experience includes engagements with the Gainesville Barbergators, St. Petersburg?s Suncoast Chorus and is now in his second stint with the Heralds of Harmony having directed them previously from 1981-1986.

Bill?s involvement and commitment to barbershop goes far beyond chorus and quarteting. He is currently finishing 4 years as the Sunshine District Director of Music and Performance and is the incoming Executive Vice President for the District.

Bill is an Assistant Vice President ? Residential Lending Officer with SunTrust Mortgage, Inc. He and his wife Cathie have six children and one granddaughter. They reside in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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Music Director, Assistant - Jeff Lathom

Jeff Lathom

I am a second generation barbershopper, commonly known as a "Barbershop Brat".  I started with the Minneapolis Commodores in 1977 before moving to Louisville in 1982 and had the privalige to sing under the direction of Jim Miller while singing with the Thoroughbreds.  After taking time off for school and college I joined the Big Orange where I sang on the International Stage for the first time in 1991.  1991 was also my first time on the Intenational stage as a quartet competitor with the "Cavaliers".  Since then I have competed with West Towns, New Tradition and Heralds on the International Stage, winning 3 Silver Medals with NT in 95,98 and 99.   I have competed on the International stage with 4 quartets - Reunited, Common Ground, Sharper Image and Category 4 (Common Ground and Sharper Image both making the Top Twenty).   I have been the front line director of the Jacksonville River City Chorus, Rockford Second City Chorus and St Petersburg Suncoast Chorus.

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Music Librarian - Jim Colvin

Jim Colvin

Jim joined the society in 1953 in Cambridge, Ohio and remained active through 1956. Then after a long leave of absence he renewed interest in barbershop singing after hearing the Heralds of Harmony perform at Labor Day Jamboree in 1997. And, after passing audition in March 1998, has remained active with the chorus since. Being retired from retail management after 43 years made this considerably easier. For the past 3 years he has sung baritone in a quartet titled "Songfellows". This has given him a wonderful opportunity to perform at a wide range of functions in the Tampa Bay Area with three other barbershop crazies from the Heralds. Serving as music librarian for the Heralds for the past few years has afforded him the chance to continue using his organizational skills from many years in management. Having a wife who is an active fanatic in Sweet Adelines with the Gulf to Bay Chapter, both as a chorus and quartet performer, makes this hobby even more enjoyable for him.

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Nominating Committee Chairman - Bob Weber

Bob Weber

Bob's musical background goes back 50 years.  He sang in school choruses and played in school bands from elementary school through college.  Bob served as tenor and unofficial cantor of St Uriel's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Sea Girt, New Jersey for thirteen years.  He was also a professional saxophonist-singer in a wedding band for fifteen years, "The Sentimentals". He sang with the New Jersey Chamber Singers in Monmouth County, where he soloed in works such as Handel's 'Messiah'.  Bob was a member of the Ocean County SPEBSQSA chapter in New Jersey,"The Oceanaires" where he was baritone section leader, assistant director, and member of the registered quartet, "Four-Gone Conclusion". 
His sons, Brian and Rob were in Boy Scouts, and Bob got heavily involved with them.  After becoming Scoutmaster and Woodbadger, and father of two EAGLE SCOUTS, his barbershop hobby was placed on the back burner.  Since he?s retired from teaching [after 39 years] and moved to Florida, what else could he do but pick up where he left off some ten years ago!  This time around however, he?s blessed with sharing the hobby with son Brian, and cousin, Don Messler.  Life is good!  

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Quartet Activity Chairman - John Pennington

John Pennington

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Sergeant-At-Arms - Bob Buhlmann

Bob Buhlmann

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Tag Team Coordinator - Joe Kane

Joe Kane

Additional Comments:   Joe is a Philadelphia native who first found the joy of barbershopping while in north-central Pennsylvania in the
mid-1990's, when after singing in a community theater musical he was asked to sing baritone in a local quartet.  Over the next decade Joe sang lead or baritone in several Mid-Atlantic area quartets and gradually ventured south, eventually joining the Alexandria Harmonizers in 2002 and earning two International bronze medals in 2004-05, while singing the lead, bass, and baritone parts.  Joe also sang baritone for the mic-testers of the 2005 Dixie District Prelims contest, PANiC, before relocating to Florida in late 2005.  He is a member of the North Carolina Harmony Brigade, and a co-founder of the Atlantic Harmony Brigade. 
Outside of barbershopping, Joe is an experienced actor in both straight and musical theater, and a semi-retired attorney and consultant, financial planner, writer, and former business school professor.

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Ticket Chairman - Russell Powell

Russell Powell

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Uniform and Costuming Manager - Dick Sipple

Dick Sipple

Dick began singing in his high school chorus and competed in district school competition. He also sang in church choir. Dick joined the society in 1962 and the Cherry Capital Chorus. He was with the Capital Chorus for eleven years. Marty Churgwyn was the Director. Dick served as chapter treasurer for three years. Due to his work schedule, he didn't have time for his hobby. But, after 42 years in broadcasting, he retired from WTVT Fox. In 2000, he decided that it was time to rejoin the society and became a member of the Heralds. The last five years with the chorus have been great and he is looking forward to many more.

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Valentine Day Program Manager - Bob Buhlmann

Bob Buhlmann

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Vice President for Performance Sales - Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts

Dave joined the society in 1988 with the Lexington, Kentucky Chapter. He has sung in eight quartets winning four District Quartet Seniors Championships. He has served as President, Music Vice-President, Membership Vice-President, and Show Chairman for the Lexington Chapter and was selected as Barbershopper of the Year in 1995 and 1997. He retired from IBM and Lexmark International as the IT Manager of Software Applications in 1998 and moved to the Tampa area in 1999. He joined the Tampa Chapter and served as the Vice-president of Music and Performance for several years and currently serves as Vice-president of Marketing.

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Vice President Marketing - Steve Matheson

Steve Matheson

Steve began his barbershop career in 1993 and has performed in 12 of the 13 consecutive HOH international competitions. He has sung in the Flexible Four Barbershop Quartet for 8 years, performing at many events throughout the Tampa Bay community. Steve has held a variety of positions on the board of directors since 1994 and has handled the marketing for the chorus since joining and coordinates the production of chorus show programs and marketing materials as well as handling public relations activities. He has been a performer in the Herald's front row for 8 years and was named the chorus' Barbershopper of the Year in 1999. A 32 year veteran in the marketing and advertising industry, he is President of BKW Marketing Communications, an advertising agency, in Tampa.

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Vice President Membership - Bruce Yeager

Bruce Yeager

Handles all Chorus pictures for HOH. 
Retired from Burlington Northern ATSF Railroad as Vice President of Automotive Operations after 33 years of service.
Besides singing with HOH enjoys playing as much golf as possible. 

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Vice President Music and Performance - John Pennington

John Pennington

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Youth Outreach Manager - Arne Helbig

Arne Helbig

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