Those looking for a unique way to send Valentine’s Day greetings might consider a ‘Val-O-Gram? from a local barbershop-style ladies quartet.
A foursome calling themselves ?4 His Glory? will make personal visits (within a 20-mile radius of Clarkston) or telephone calls to almost anywhere on Monday, Feb. 14 and, if possible, the previous Friday night and Saturday.
Sue Kilbourne, Melanie Spires, Penny Savage and Brenda Marlowe are all members of Clarkston Community Church and have sung together since November 2003.
Marlowe and Spires are sisters who formerly performed with the Sweet Adelines organization, consisting of women who enjoy the barbershop-style harmony.
‘We missed being part of that,? said Marlowe. They eventually recruited Kilbourne and Savage, and 4 His Glory made their debut in the church Christmas program in 2003.
Since then, the quartet has performed at local senior centers, the Oakhurst Golf and Country Club and a talent show at Seymour Lake United Methodist Church in Brandon Township. They also provide special music in worship services at Clarkston Community Church every couple of months.
The ladies rehearse at least 90 minutes each week. Savage described the tight acapella harmony as being designed to ‘lock and ring? to create the illusion of more than four voices.
‘When we sing, you’ll hear other notes around us,? Savage said. Precision is required, or mistakes will be especially noticed.
‘Bad barbershop is bad,? she said with a laugh.
Kilbourne, who is coordinating the Valentine greetings, said the quartet will schedule visits on a first-come, first-served basis, and will arrange telephone calls around the travel schedule.
Offering both a ‘sweetheart medley? and ‘friendship? songs, the group will present a flower, message and song for $45. Telephone calls (which can’t include the flower) cost $25.
The ladies aren’t seeking profit from their services. They may eventually record a CD at their church, but ‘Right now, it’s kind of a hobby,? Kilbourne said.
Those interested may call 248-625-2901 for an appointment.