Who are the Nittany Knights?
The Nittany Knights were first chartered in 1963 with SPEBSQSA (the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America), renamed in 2004 to The Barbershop Harmony Society. This international, non-profit organization provides an opportunity for men to gather together to practice the hobby that they love. The following year in 1964, they held their first annual show titled, "First Harmony Festival of Barbershop Quartets." Today there are approximately 37 members, two of whom remain actively involved since founding the chorus more than forty years ago.
Because of our non-profit status, much of the monies we receive for our efforts are donated to the charitable arm of the society, the Harmony Foundation, Inc., as well as a few local charities. Through donations made to the Foundation's general fund, grants are awarded to deserving projects. Harmony Foundation's mission is "to be a leading philanthropic force dedicated to perpetuating the Barbershop Harmony art form for present and future generations to enjoy."
Our performances include singing for local churches, retirement homes, organizational banquets, and a few “mini shows” such as the Peoples Choice Festival, Philipsburg’s Heritage Days, and the South Hills School of Business and Technology outdoor summer Sunday evening concerts. The majority of these performances are from May through August with several others during the Christmas holiday period. 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 for someone’s sweetheart. All of these smaller performances are capped off on the first Saturday in May with our annual show.
All gentlemen with a desire to sing are invited to meet us at our rehearsals at 7:15 PM every Monday evening at the South Hills School of Business and Technology in State College. A similar group for the ladies called “Sweet Adeline’s” meets in Altoona.
You can find out more about the Barbershop Harmony Society at http://www.barbershop.org