Dave’s familiarity with barbershop harmony began in his childhood as both his parents sang in quartets or choruses for many years. Today, children who have this experience at home and then go on to become a barbershopper themselves are referred to as “barbershop brats”. And so, that he is for sure.

Prior to joining SPEBSQSA in late 1961 in Canton, Dave had sung in a youth church choir in Massillon, a high school choir in Canton, and then four more years in a men’s glee club at Kent State University.

In 1966, Dave found himself in Mansfield where there was no barbershop chapter at the time, so he sang in the choir at St. Peter’s church and with the Mansfield Mastersingers until 1975 when the Mansfield chapter was formed. Dave directed the chorus for its first 22 years and has been as an assistant director ever since. He was honored as Barbershopper of the year in 1994, 1999, and 2005.

For a period of more than ten years, Dave was also a dual member with the Singing Buckeye chorus in Columbus which led to a cultural exchange singing experience in Russia in 1999 and also four national chorus competitions over the years. While active with the Buckeyes, he became very involved in their acclaimed Harmony Camp, a four-day educational experience involving up to 300 choral students per year in the summer months. He served as chairman of the camp for three years and also helped establish a Mansfield chapter scholarship fund for local students who attend the camp.

Quartetting has always been a favorite of Dave’s barbershop career. Having sung lead, but mostly baritone, his longest tenure in quartets was with Broadway Limited (10 years) and Home Edition (25 years as of 2013).

Dave says his greatest barbershop pleasures over the years include the honor of directing the Fun Center Chordsmen, introducing men to the joy of barbershop harmonizing and being awarded the Johnny Appleseed District Director of the Year in 1984 and the Barbershopper of the year in 2007.

Dave’s hope is to be able to keep singing until the lid on the casket is closed. And even then, he cautions that a note or two may come forth for those with a keen ear!