Worthington Rings a Chord With Barbershop Harmony Chorus

SAN ANTONIO – As senior vice president of corporate communications for the 10th largest credit union in the country, John Worthington strives for harmonious relationships between his credit union and a variety of publics. Building harmony is a skill John uses outside the office, too, as a member of the all-male Heart of Texas barbershop harmony chorus. A lifelong singer, John has performed in numerous musical productions and groups, minored in music in college, and sang part-time while in the U.S. Air Force. After completing his military career, he joined the Barbershop Harmony Society, and 11 years ago helped form the Heart of Texas chapter, located in the central Texas “hill country.” The 77-member chapter rehearses two hours weekly. Their repertoire includes ballads and patriotic, inspirational, and Christmas “up” tunes – all performed a cappella. The group has recorded four CDs, including their latest, “Inspiration from the Heart,” and has sung on Keith Warren’s “Outdoor Adventures” on The Outdoor Channel. “God Bless The USA is one of my favorites. If it doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, there’s something wrong,” Worthington said. The chorus placed 12th in this year’s Barbershop Harmony Society International Competition held in July in Salt Lake City. To earn a spot in the contest, the group had to best 52 other choruses first to win division and district titles. The group performed “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby.” Judges evaluated stage presence and choreography, as well as singing and musicality. The chorus goal for 2006 is to crack the “Top Ten.” “We have folks from all walks of life – a bartender, a plastic surgeon, high-tech guys. We just enjoy singing,” said Worthington, who completed an Air Force officer career in public relations and broadcast management prior to joining Security Service FCU’s management team. “There’s great fun in fine-tuning the music, but it can become obsessive.” When asked how often the Heart of Texas Chorus entertains, Worthington wise-cracked, “Hopefully every time we sing!” The group stages three major performances annually: a spring concert, a holiday concert and a free patriotic concert around Sept. 11, and other smaller performances including “singing valentines.” -