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Barbara has been a barbershopper for nineteen years, but calls herself a "barbershop
brat" since the age of four as she recalls watching her dad, Dick Wheeler, perform in his
own chorus, The Downeasters, and his numerous quartets over the years. While
cherishing her dad's photos and records (yes, vinyl) from his fifty years as
a barbershopper, she is happy to follow in his footsteps, and has been Bulletin Editor,
Chorus Manager, Section Leader and Assistant Director in many Sweet Adeline Choruses
in the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire as well as directed three small
choruses: Yankee Clippers in Portsmouth, King Philip SAI in Franklin, and the
Baystatesmen in Norwood.
Singing in various quartets has also added to her love for the barbershop craft. She sang
baritone in Nonpareils, East Coast Connection and Something Sentimental and Lead in
Fireside Four, Happenstance and her current quartet, Classic Moments, which has been
together for nine years.
Barbara has attended many directing classes, including CDWI and is a Certified Director
with Sweet Adelines International. She is also an Associate Member of the Colonial
Spirit Chorus in Acton, MA and fills in as tenor with Blue Hill Junction when needed.
Her other musical talents include playing the clarinet, the 6 string banjo and learning the
mandolin, with enough piano knowledge to plunk out the notes in a sectional. She also
makes four part learning tapes.
The highlights of her musical career include being a voice-over for an animated jib-jab
type parody for a company in Boston, being a back-up singer in a band for a CD Release
of a local singer, and making a learning tape of thirteen songs for a chorus in England in
just three weeks!
There is life after barbershop, and whenever possible, Barbara and her husband, Joe are
off traveling in their motorhome where they gather around the campfire, break out the
banjos and what else……..SING!