Barrington’s White House is pleased to present its new online series, Virtual Arts and Culture. During these unprecedented times, where we are unable to join together in our love for art and culture, it is our goal to continue to be a source of joy for each of you.
Join us for a toe-tapping, old-fashioned virtual performance by the Geneva Barbershop Quartet on Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. In preparation for their performance, we interviewed the Quartet to learn more about who they are and why they sing. Read more now!
So, who are the four members of your quartet?
GBQ: Our group is comprised of four gentlemen – Wayne Weiser (lead), Gareth Cole (tenor), Paul “Wally” Zeien (bass), and Steve Schoultz (baritone). Wayne has been singing barbershop since 7th grade and continued throughout his life; Gareth grew up in a musical family and has been singing barbershop since 1990; Wally grew up being in a family band and has sung in several quartets throughout the years; Steve has been singing since 4th grade and started performing barbershop as a freshman in college.
How did the four of you come together to form the Geneva Barbershop Quartet?
GBQ: We met through the Country Gentlemen Chorus and were mentored by a senior member of the group, Dick Leighton, who motivated us to form our quartet in 2004 after hearing us sing informally one night after a chorus rehearsal. We’ve been together ever since!
What are your favorite songs or artists to perform?
GBQ: We like many genres of music, but really enjoy gospel the most, as it represents a large portion of the repertoire. We have no particular favorite artists, we just enjoy singing a wide variety in our favorite musical styles.
Who are your musical influences and inspirations?
GBQ: Wayne is inspired by his uncles from North Dakota who were very musical and encouraged him to sing; Gareth is inspired by the gospel harmonies he heard as a child; Wally is inspired by singing in church with his parents; and Steve is inspired by his parents who introduced him to music early on.
What’s next for the Geneva Barbershop Quartet?
GBQ: Normally we would be preparing for the Country Gentlemen Chorus annual show in September, and our annual District contest in Rochester, MN in October. However, due to COVID all of our live events are cancelled until 2021. We have recently selected several new songs and are in the process of learning those, and look forward to debuting them in shows later this year.
Anything else you would like our audience to know?
GBQ: I would say from the “fondest memories” category – as a musical group we spent 2 weeks performing in multiple venues in France in 2005 and thoroughly enjoyed that experience. Off the stage, we really enjoy golfing together as often as we can.
All registrants for this performance will receive an $10 gift certificate to Ice Cream Social Barrington on Station Street in Downtown Barrington. Thank you to the Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA) and the Village of Barrington for providing these gift certificates. It’s a perfect “ice cream social” to go along with your Barbershop Quartet!
To register for our upcoming FREE Geneva Barbershop Quartet virtual event, visit barringtonswhitehouse.com/events. After registering, you will receive a link to watch the livestream on YouTube. It is as easy as 1. open the email, 2. click the link and 3. watch! You will not need to create a YouTube account to view this event.
If you are unfamiliar with YouTube, please contact Barrington’s White House by calling Kate Himes at 224.234.4018.
Barrington’s White House is a unique, historic venue located in the heart of downtown Barrington at 145 West Main Street. This meticulously restored 1898 mansion hosts cultural and community events, and is also available for rental for weddings, corporate meetings, non-profit fundraisers and family celebrations. Visit the web site or call 224-512-4292 for your private tour.
