Who are the Nittany Knights?
The Nittany Knights were first chartered in 1962 with S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A., Inc. (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America). In 2004 the Society renamed the organization to “The Barbershop Harmony Society”. This international, non-profit organization provides an opportunity for men to gather together to practice this style of a cappella music that they love. In 1964 the Nittany Knights held their first annual show titled, "First Harmony Festival of Barbershop Quartets." Today there are approximately 50 members, one of whom remains actively involved since founding the chorus more than forty-five years ago.
Our performances include singing for local churches, retirement homes, and at organizational banquets. The chorus also performs for local places such as the Mt. Nittany Medical Center, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, and local events such as Memorial Day services and the Bellefonte Victorian Christmas as well as a few "mini shows" at the People’s Choice Festival, Grange Fair, and the South Hills School of Business & Technology outdoor summer Sunday evening concerts. In February, we also perform Singing Valentine's where for a small fee, a quartet will go to a home, restaurant, business, or other requested location, and sing several love songs to someone's sweetheart. All of these smaller performances are capped off on the first Saturday in May with our annual show.
The Nittany Knights are fortunate to have the corporate sponsorship of Brookline who has provided funds for use in music education for our local youth. We are always looking for ways to encourage and support the youth in our area in an effort to pass on the joy of singing.
All gentlemen with a desire to sing are invited to join us at our rehearsals at 7:15 PM every Monday evening at the South Hills School of Business & Technology in State College. A similar group for the ladies called "Sweet Adelines" meets in Altoona.
You can find out more about the Barbershop Harmony Society at http://www.barbershop.org
(updated August 28, 2009)