Mathey honored by Barbershop Harmony Society

Richard Mathey, a Professor Emeritus of music performance studies at Bowling Green State University, has received two of the Barbershop Harmony Society’s highest honors.

The society inducted Mathey into its Hall of Fame and presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its international convention this summer in Anaheim, Calif. He was honored “for his immeasurable influence” in advocating the barbershop art form in higher education.

Mathey taught at BGSU from 1968-97. In 1971, he revived the Men’s Glee Club—later renamed the University Men’s Chorus—and directed the group for 28 years. As director, he began to include barbershop numbers in the chorus’ repertoire to increase the entertainment value of its performances.

Also during his run as director, membership increased from just 12 students to over 100, morphing the organization into the active touring group that it is today.

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(Posted October 12, 2009 )