By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
Aug. 4, 2001
Many of the members of Meridian's Barbershop Chorus didn't know there was one until they either heard it perform, or were invited to join.
But as you watch them practice at lunchtime on Tuesdays at Central United Methodist Church, it's apparent that they like it.
For Elliott, part of the enjoyment of the chorus is watching how the audience reacts to the music.
Entertainment
Billy Melton is the driving force behind the formation of the chorus.
Melton, a Meridian native, has enjoyed singing this type music most of his life, and was in fact part of a similar group here in Meridian in 1956.
Members of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. will get a chance to hear the chorus sing Aug. 23 during the annual meeting. Melton said he hopes that the chorus will be able to perform about once a month.
Friends and family
For Don Price, the chorus is an opportunity to spend some time with his father, the Rev. F. William Price.
A political science instructor at East Central Community College, Price has known Melton all of his life.
Future
The members are also working on forming quartets and other smaller groups that will make scheduling functions more flexible, which works for people with busy schedules.
While Melton sings, recruits new members and sets up the singing engagements, Ken Patterson directs the chorus.
Other members of the chorus include Paul O'Leary, Ben McEachin, Bob Peden, Paul Goldman, Paul Entrekin, Rodney Richardson, Robert Barham, Don Price, Bill Price, Ronnie Walton, Howard Malone, Bent Moulds, Gene Kinard, Ken Patterson, Bobby Walker, Bill Green, D. Allan Stewart, Bob Elliott, Howard Crenshaw, Roger Burke, Bobby Sims, Ken LaBruyere, Kelly Miller, Michael Longmier, James "Buddy" McElroy, Jay McElroy, Earl Aycock Jr., Albert Weems Jr., Winston Cameron, Barry Germany, Pat Fielder and Bob Naeger.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.