Perfect Harmony

Joyce Reid, Baritone

Joyce became a Perfect Harmony member in 2009 after being encouraged to join by Sue Barrett. She rarely misses a rehearsal or Sing Out. Joyce has many talents in addition to music. Joyce has been a Professional & Hobby Craft Person for years. It would be a privilege to have one of her quilt creations or pottery pieces in your home. Enjoy reading how she evolved into a talented Craftsman over the years while raising her family.

“Joyce Reid was born and raised in central Kansas, wheat farming area, my Dad was a farmer. I graduated from Great Bend High School in 1956 where I sang Soprano in the chorus and choir. I also sang in the church choir. My parents paid for music lessons for me, two sisters and a brother. I joined the church choir in Bella Vista about 2003, as a soprano. I later switched to alto. My voice has gotten lower pitched, like many, so I now sing Baritone in Perfect Harmony.

I have had three occupations. I went to college and became qualified to teach home economics, general science, biology, chemistry and all elementary grades. I taught for six years; second, fourth and sixth grade. Then I switched to substitute teaching for Science mostly at the 7-9th grade levels. This was my first occupation. When I took a potter class to keep my teaching certificate up, I got hooked on clay. My first potter’s wheel was made by my husband using a wagon wheel that my father supplied. Because I was making so many items, I started exhibiting at arts and crafts shows, my second occupation. I eventually purchased two kilns and two other electric potter’s wheels. I traveled to arts and crafts shows from Nebraska, St, Louis, Missouri to Middleland, Texas. At the time I was living in Norman, Oklahoma. For over twenty years I did about twelve shows a year. In 2000 my husband, Henry and I moved to Bella Vista. All the clay items were moved but because it took months to get electricity to the lower level of our home, I started making quilts. Now, I make quilts for family members, the Quilt Guild (Calico Up-Cuts), and my church’s bazaar. Last year I made 33 small quilts, 16 cloth books and a number of other items, my third occupation.

Henry and I raised six children and have encouraged 13 grandchildren. Since the adults are all gainfully employed and five grandchildren have graduated from college so far, for me these are major accomplishments. Plus, Henry and I have been married forty-nine years come June, second time around. Traveling is a favorite thing to do. I would go anywhere if someone else was paying the bill. Just give me time to pack. Henry and I have been to about fifteen foreign countries and I think all the states. Of course, there are many places we have not seen, even in the USA. I would like to cruise around South America, it is about a 50-60 day trip. Henry hasn’t agreed to that yet.

While the children were growing up I was a Girl Scout Leader and Boy Scout Trainer. Later, I was a volunteer for Legal Aid and I heard some very sad stories. I have been Treasurer for my local art guild in Norman, Ok, Perfect Harmony for five years and the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra. The orchestra traveled to China during those two years I was Treasurer and I learned to wire money to the travel company in NYC, there were 105 people on that trip. Now, I volunteer each week at the Bella Vista Library. Four hours every Monday morning for 18 years. I always say that is the last volunteer job that I will give up. To me, education is the most thing we can give our children. Enjoy reading, Joyce”

A favorite memory for Joyce was singing with her children in the car when they went on camping trips. Joyce and Henry both like the color blue which makes it easy to decorate their home. During the winter they enjoy watching the college level basketball games on TV. She is a very dedicated member of Perfect Harmony in attendance and support. She has booked several Sing Outs for us at some of the organizations she is involved with, as well as serving on the PH Board, Committees, as Hostess and a time as the card lady. Joyce knows that you can’t go wrong, “If you start off each day with a Song”!

Ann Benton, Bass

Singing brings us joy. We can see it in our faces, smiles and sparkling eyes. All of which Ann has when singing and in her everyday life. Ann is dedicated to Perfect Harmony and received a 2nd place award, tied, for rehearsal attendance. She is the chorus’s Music Librarian, Board Member and Assistant Web Master for our web site. In addition to singing with the chorus, she sings in a Perfect Harmony Quartet. Get to know Ann better by reading her unique story, then listen for her mellow Bass voice on our web site or next concert.

I came from a Catholic, military family…Marines. We moved often. By the time I was 53, I’d moved 33 times! I was second-born out of six kids. Growing up, I was a tom-boy and athlete, loved to dance, acted in some school plays and musicals. I started singing in choirs in grade school, continued through high school, then in church and community choirs all through my adult life. I sang in mixed choirs, 8-voice acapella ensembles, a swing quintet, gospel quartets, sacred music duets, and even solo (one time – so nervous!). In my high school hippie days, I loved Motown, disco, bluegrass, and barbershop…I still do!

My dad retired after my senior year and moved the family to Arkansas. I stayed in South Carolina where dad was last stationed and married my high school sweetheart. We had two boys and raised them there. Harry was a boat captain and mechanic, so we had many boating adventures on the coast of SC for about 17 years.

I had a long career in banking so after our divorce, I moved from Hilton Head Island to Columbia, SC where I took another banking job. I was single for eight years, had several “learning” relationships, then met my second husband, Erik, two months after he moved in next door to me with his mother who had dementia. After she died, we got married and started a handyman business, which we took with us to Minnesota where Erik wanted to finish his seminary training to be a pastor. We found out I was pregnant two weeks after moving…21 years after my youngest son!

When Inga was born, we took her on jobs with us. We served two churches in Sandstone, MN, then a church in Duluth, MN. 

I went back to school at The College of St. Scholastica to finish my degree in Religious Studies the day Inga started kindergarten. I graduated with highest honors at age 52 -- my greatest accomplishment, after my kids! I worked six years as Program Coordinator for the seminary Erik went to in the Twin Cities, bringing classes to Duluth. I took a few classes as well. That marriage ended after 15 years.

Inga and I moved to Eureka Springs in 2010 to help my sister take care of our mom who had multiple strokes and dementia. Singing in The Ozarks Chorale gave me great relief from care giving.

I finished writing and self-published a book for pre-teens in 2011. It’s titled "Hood Vibrations" and is about using the power of positive thinking to create a better life. I wasn’t comfortable marketing myself, so it didn’t sell well.

Inga was still in high school so to bring in more income, I decided to resurrect my “voice over” talents (voicing commercials, PSA’s, business telephone messages, book narration, etc.). I had taken training in Minnesota and bought the equipment for my home studio, but never taken it further. So, I got another coach, made some professional demos, put up a website, and even got a little work. 

My oldest son died in a car accident in 2013. It took some time to heal.

I met David at a conference planning committee meeting. He asked my mom for my hand and helped me take care of her before she died in 2016. David moved me to Bella Vista, we got married, started a handyman business together, and he helped me find Perfect Harmony…the perfect outlet for my passion for singing!  Ann

In her spare time she enjoys golf, reading, singing and traveling. On her bucket list is a trip to the Grand Canyon. Electric Blue (like her eyes) is her favorite color. After attending a PH concert at Cooper Chapel, she joined the chorus in January 2017. Thank you, Ann, for all you do towards the success of Perfect Harmony Women’s Barbershop Chorus.

JOYCE MARIE ELROD, TENOR

Joyce joined Perfect Harmony Women’s Barbershop Chorus in 2011. She is one of our four spectacular Tenors! In addition to singing with the chorus, she is the Treasurer and Board Member for Perfect Harmony. Her welcoming smile is easily given when she catches your eye. Get to know Joyce better as you read her unique story.

I was born in a very small town in Burlington, Michigan. I lived on a farm just one block off the two-lane main highway between Detroit and Chicago, Each day, while attending first through eighth grade, I crossed this major highway to attend the two room elementary school. During my years in Elementary School, I did participate on the radio in a spelling bee contest, and I was the big winner. At my home, daddy farmed with horses, not tractors. We raised fruit and vegetables, dairy cows, beef cattle, chickens and rabbits and I personally raised several baby goats and one baby lamb.

I attended High School in Union City. I majored in Home Economics, but also took several math and accounting classes along with the other required classes. I participated in a Cherry Pie Baking Contest, which was sponsored by a Kiwanis Club. I did win the local contest and went to the State Cherry Pie Baking Contest, which was a major experience for me as a small town farm child.

One week after graduation at age 17, I was married. I worked briefly at a department store, then was hired by the State of Michigan to work in a Mental Hospital where patients lived full time, unlike care for mental patients at home in today’s world. The patients aged from children through adults, some ambulatory, some full time bed patients, and some in a medical ward. I worked there for 3 years before quitting when I was seven months pregnant. My husband had family in California, we moved there one month before my first son was born. I was a stay-at-home mom and gave birth to two more sons in the next few years. Later, while the kids were still small, I went to work for a medical doctor. It was a one-girl office and he trained me in all areas including front desk, insurance billing, bookkeeping, taking x-rays, working back office and assisting in surgery. I worked there for eight years. After quitting the doctor’s office, I sold World Book Encyclopedias door to door. Later I decided to divorce my husband – my kids were only about 9, 10 and 11, and since they were all boys, no girls, their dad got custody of them, which was devastating for me.

I went to work at a local hospital as an Admitting Clerk on the pm shift. This hospital was owned by a company that owned and also managed hospitals. While working there I became acquainted with a Plastic Surgeon on staff, who offered me an Office Manager position. I loved my job there and worked with him for several years. When I was offered a position with the former company that I had worked for, I accepted the position as it was a big step up for me. I was to work with training staff in the managed hospitals which involved full time travel in several states. While on the job in one of the hospitals, Don and I met. Since we were both staying in motels all week and eating in restaurants every night, we shared meals together and hung out afterward just to fill the evening after work hours. This resulted in falling in love and marriage. We both quit our travel jobs and moved to Fairfield, California where Don worked in the hospital. I then was hired as office manager for a medical office. I was a Certified Medical Assistant and was also State President of California Medical Assistants Association (CMAA) for one year.

The  Regional Occupational Program (ROP) was a state program designed to train unemployed people in skills to work. Programs included many various skills such as vehicle repairs, construction, heavy equipment, and medical offices. As teachers, our expertise came not from college but from work experience, and for the 5th year of the teaching credential, we actually attended college to learn to create lesson plans and teach the skills to students. I started as part time in 1979, but advanced to full time, teaching the office part of health care. Class started out 5 days each week for half the semester, followed by internship second half of semester. I worked closely with the managers in hospitals, skilled facilities and medical offices to be sure the skills they needed matched the students I placed there. I visited each internship site every week for follow up. I now work 2 ½ to 4 days each week in our Bella Vista Assembly of God church office.

I started singing in the Choir in our church as a teenager. I sang in the High school choir throughout High School and I have always loved music. Don was very active in Men’s Barbershop and I loved their music and going to the concerts. After we both retired, we moved to Bella Vista and Don became active in the Men’s Barbershop Chorus where Karen was director at that time. I met Karen at a band concert at Blowing Springs. Don suggested that since I loved music and loved to sing, that I try out for Perfect Harmony and Karen agreed. I have really enjoyed being a part of Perfect Harmony. You are all a Wonderful Group of Ladies. Joyce

Joyce’s hobbies include sewing, reading and music. She enjoys being at home doing nothing but relaxing and listening to music. She loves most colors, when she is a “Lady in Red”, she looks good. Joyce is dedicated to PH, coming to rehearsal on Mondays after being on the job and also fitting in Sing Outs with her work schedule when possible, she keeps her “Sunny Side Up”. Thank you Joyce for your support and dedication to the chorus.

Kathy Hohl, Lead

Kathy has had a very unique life. And she has many stories she can tell. Here is what she has shared with us:

“I was born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin. While my Mom & Dad were divorcing my grandmother sent me to a Catholic boarding High School during my Freshman year. Roller skating was my hobby and after High School I followed the love of my life and husband for 66 years, Marvin, to California. He had joined the Marine Corp in San Diego, and I was living with my Great Grandma in San Francisco. It was there I achieved many skating medals for Dance, Freestyle, Figure Skating & Judging. I also worked for 9 years as a Comp-to-meter (a forerunner of today’s computers) for a company that made the “Jaws of Life” used for Emergency Rescue by Fire Departments. Before Marvin went overseas, we married and when he got back from Korea we started our family in Milwaukee. Within a 13 year period I had 9 children, 6 are living (4 boys & 2 Girls) and I was a Foster Mother for 1 child who grew up in our family until she was 5 ½ years old. Our children still invest in our lives today. When my oldest child got a job, cashiering for a Roller Rink, it enabled all of her family to enjoy skating for FREE!  After a few years our boys, and one daughter joined the speed team and I started to Judge again. After I got to be known I was gradually asked to Judge at different local meets. (Of course, I couldn’t judge when my own children were competing.) Later I went to the Olympic Grounds in Colorado Springs to review twice a year, every year. One week I reviewed for speed, and 1 week for Art, which included dance, figure skating & freestyle skating. Sometimes I would get Airline tickets and hotel accommodations when I judged a meet. I was chosen to be a National Judge for the National Speed Meets. I did that for eight years. I judged for a few Art Meets but was uncomfortable when I was told by other judges WHO was to win. At the Olympic Training Center I asked if I would be eligible to be an International Judge and was told “I would never become one because I was a woman”. This was in 1985! I walked away and never looked back. My daughter did earn the right to be chosen for the US National team in 1977, which is a great honor. She competed Internationally as well. My son made a career of skating, owns a Roller Rink, and competes in Senior Competition Meets today.

In 1997 when Marvin retired from Pfizer after 47 years in Senior Management for the Hospital Supply facility, and our children were all gone, we moved to Bella Vista. Since living in Bella Vista I have volunteered at the BV Library as a reader to children and worked with them in small crafts. I supplied the craft pieces for them, it was wonderful to be with children again and I enjoyed working with them for 14 years. One of my hobbies is repairing, painting and dressing Porcelain Dolls back to their original beauty. I have a bedroom dedicated to all my dolls. I also do restorations for clients. While at the Catholic boarding High School, I had my first encounter with a wonderful teacher who coached me and taught me music. After one year I had a four octave range and could sing high soprano down to bass, but I enjoyed singing Soprano because it was the easiest. One day during my water aerobics class in Bella Vista I was singing with the music when Helen Smiley heard me and asked me to join the Perfect Harmony group. After a few weeks I came to a practice and I was HOOKED! The group is so welcoming and loving, I am grateful to Helen, Karen and all the girls who participate. Now, when Perfect Harmony calls, I’M READY!”   Kathy

The most rewarding event in Kathy’s lifetime is “acknowledging to the Lord that I am 86 years old and still alive, when all my relatives and friends have already passed”. Kathy would like to visit Disney World and revisit the Badlands and the Black Hills. She has several fond memories of traveling from Wisconsin to California with their 9 children (and a babysitter) and stopping in the Dakotas. Some trips they hauled a camper and packed a tent so they could explore the area on the way. Her favorite colors are blue, particularly aqua. When Kathy first wheeled into the church parking lot for rehearsal in her little red convertible, you knew she was a woman you would want to know! She has shared many interesting stories that have made us laugh. Her dedication and support for the chorus is obvious when she walks into rehearsal with a smile. Undoubtedly, there will be more chapters that will be added to her life story, her experiences with Perfect Harmony will be one!

Katie Scherz, Bass (occasionally Baritone)

Katie is one member that has had an exciting career with Barbershop groups, here is her story.

In 1951 in Peoria, Illinois at 14 years old I was asked to sing Baritone in a quartet called "The Mellowaires". My sister sang bass. The quartet felt that even though I was young I could handle the Baritone part. I surprised them and did better than they expected! Then in 1958 I joined a struggling Sweet Adeline chorus in Fairbury, Illinois and chartered with them singing Bass. I drove 15 miles to rehearsal each week. In 1963 I moved to East Moline, Illinois and immediately found a Sweet Adeline Chapter and a Harmony, Inc. chorus to sing with. I was in seventh heaven singing with both groups for several years. One quartet I sang Baritone with called “Chord Teasers" decided to get serious and compete in the Harmony Inc. International competition. I decided why not? We competed 4 times and placed 5th in Ottawa, Canada in 1967, 4th in Hamilton, Ontario in 1968 and 2nd in Burlington, Vermont in 1969. We FINALLY, won the International Title of "HARMONY QUEENS" in 1970 in Providence, Rhode Island. It was a wonderful time during our year of reign doing Barbershop shows all over the United States. Flying to and from at their expense and being featured on their annual shows. We even made an LP record during that time. After The Chord Teasers broke up, I started a new quartet called "Moline Tradition". I was singing Baritone. We had top notch coaching and it paid off. We won the competition in Harmony Inc International competition the 1st time on stage in Montreal, Quebec in 1973. We spent a year of traveling to and from shows. Another wonderful year. “Being part of the winning quartet two times in Harmony Inc. competition is a special Personal Accomplishment for me.”

I married Chuck Scherz in 1968. Chuck also sang Barbershop harmony and loved the hobby as much as I did. I was singing Baritone in 1976 with a Sweet Adeline quartet called "IV Part AlaCarte". We competed in a Regional Contest in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and WON the Regional award. That win allowed us to compete in the Sweet Adeline International contest in Cincinnati, Ohio. What a RIDE for six years. I was the luckiest girl alive. In l977 Chuck & I purchased a fishing resort in Minnesota. The nearest Sweet Adeline chorus was 65 miles away in Fargo, North Dakota. I drove it once a week for 18 years to sing Bass. The Fargo chorus did place 1st in AA Division in San Antonio, TX in 1993 at International Competition. In the winter Chuck & I would become Snowbirds and found groups to sing in such as Sweet Adeline and Harmony, Inc choruses in Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Las Vegas, Iowa, across Illinois and Texas. My 'favorite' time was singing with the Houston Horizon chorus for 3 winters. They were top notch and worked hard. I was 1 of about 70 members.

I sang with a group in Joplin, Missouri for 6 years driving 50 miles to rehearsals. In Arkansas, I helped charter the Sweet Adeline group and also started the quartets "Special Design", "On-the-Go" and most recent "Persnickety". My most memorable time was when the Harmonaires (a group I sang with from Illinois) called me in Bella Vista to ask if I could learn 12 songs in 2 weeks singing Baritone for a couple of important performances in Illinois and a biggie in Florida and I DID IT. They sent me a tape to listen to and it was in my ear for 2 solid weeks. That was the only way I could learn the songs since I don't read music. Those two jobs didn’t pay well, but I had a great time! Barbershop singing is a wonderful hobby that I've enjoyed for 66 years now. I’ve counted over 14 groups I have sang with, which include mixed quartets of men & women. I just gotta hear those Barbershop Chords, I love Barbershop!   Katie

Although Katie no longer sings competitively, she continues to use her harmonizing skills in our Perfect Harmony Women’s Barbershop Chorus. During the time Katie was so active in competition singing she also had a career of a Caregiver for 40 years. With all she has accomplished she considers her most rewarding events to be her “two beautiful daughters and four wonderful step children.”

Yellow and blue are her favorite colors (no surprise here! they reflect her blue skies & sunny disposition).

Hats Off! To Katie for her years of Barbershop experience and her love of MUSIC.