The Roots of Harmony
Tracing Our Musical Journey
The Overtones formed in 2024 from a shared passion for music and performance, rooted deeply in the diverse backgrounds of its members. Each singer brings a distinct set of skills and influences, creating a rich musical tapestry that resonates with audiences. Formed in the musical landscape of Myrtle Beach, the quartet began as a "throw together" group with the local barbershop chorus. As they worked together, they discovered a unique synergy in their styles, blending various genres to create a sound that is both innovative and familiar. From soulful harmonies to oldtime favorites, The Overtones encapsulate the spirit of community and creativity. This section delves into their individual journeys and how these paths converged to form a cohesive unit that represents the heart of The Overtones. Explore the inspirations and collaborative efforts that continue to shape their musical identity and elevate their performances.
Mike Coffey - Bass
At the age of twelve, I joined the church choir and started singing the bass parts. I continued to sing with the choir until I entered high school, where I joined the Glee Club and became a bass soloist in the choir.
After I graduated, I joined the Marines and drifted away from singing other than performing with church choirs and being featured as a soloist.
In 1990 I retired from the Marines after 20 years and moved to Texas, where I continued to sing with a church choir.
In 1994, I discovered barbershop singing by going to the Vocal Majority's Christmas show in Dallas. I was intrigued by the sound they generated and the emotions they sang with. I spoke with one of the chorus members and asked about joining the group. I was hooked and that is how my barbershop journey began.
I auditioned for the Vocal Majority (VM) in February 1994 and became riser-certified that April. Appearing on stage as a member of VM that spring, also made me part of the international chorus competition that same summer. I won my first international chorus gold medal in Pittsburg in July of 1994 and my second gold medal in Indianapolis, July of 1997.
I sang with the VM for seven years, performing about 55 shows a year, both domestically and overseas.
In 2001, after winning two gold medals and appearing on every imaginable show, I decided to leave the Vocal Majority.
I sang with various church choirs over the next few years and then stopped singing completely from 2004 to 2024. I retired to South Carolina in 2018 and in 2024 gave in to the itch to sing barbershop again. I joined the Low Country Chorus and although the sound wasn't like being in the VM, it was satisfying to hear the chords ring out again.
The Low Country Chorus is where the four members of The Overtones met. We were a "throw together" quartet that appeared in one of the Low Country Chorus shows. The first time we sang, we recognized our good and unique sound and wanted to see where it could go.
We've been performing together since the summer of 2024.
Dick Pilling - Baritone
I discovered the joy of music when I was in the third grade. The traveling music educator visited our school and demonstrated all kinds of instruments. Eeny, meeny, miney, mo... I chose the clarinet. Private lessons and seven years of practice led me to join the Taunton Junior Police Band, followed by the Taunton High School Band, where I was chosen as First Chair in the woodwind section. I also joined the swing band as a tenor saxophonist.
Fast-forward thirty years, and you would find me ringing chords in a handbell choir in many churches throughout central New Hampshire.
Singing didn't grab me until later in life. It was 2013 when I attended my first barbershop concert. I was so impressed with the sound coming from all these ordinary people, that I knew I had to give it a try. I started attending the local barbershop chapter rehearsals and fit in quite comfortably. I soon realized that singing the Baritone part was my safest bet. Today, whenever I travel, I search for the closest chorus to visit and share in this wonderful hobby.
For me, the most enjoyable part of singing in the barbershop style is in a quartet. Learning my part and singing four-part harmony with three other like-minded gents is pure magic and enjoyment - especially when we get it right.
Singing is gratifying to me and hopefully to others for whom we perform. I plan on singing until I can't anymore!
Terry Moore -Lead
I started singing with my mother and older siblings in the church choir when I was nine years old. Once in junior high school, I joined the junior high chorus and learned the basics of reading music.
In high school, I sang baritone and tenor in the school chorus.
After high school, I joined the Army and spent 20 years in the service.
While still in the service I got the urge to sing again, so in 2002, I joined the church choir in Ashburn, Virginia, singing tenor.
In 2013, I saw an ad for a northern Virginia Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass (SATB) professional choir and began singing four-part, acapella harmony for the first time.
In 2016 I joined the Old Dominion Barbershop Chorus as a tenor and sang with them for a year.
In 2017 I then joined the Fairfax Jubilaires Barbershop Chorus where I sang tenor in three different quartets. The last quartet I sang with was Rendezvous until I moved to South Carolina in 2022.
After relocating to Myrtle Beach South Carolina, I joined the Low Country Barbershop Chorus and sang tenor in the Southern Gentlemen chapter quartet.
In June of 2024, the newly formed quartet, The Overtones, were looking for a lead singer. I couldn't let the opportunity to perform with such excellent musicians pass me by, so I auditioned. Happily, I have been singing with them ever since.
Tommy Barone - Tenor
I’ve had many great opportunities in my life and the best ones always involved music and singing. I remember my first day in the 8th grade chorus. I was so happy to just sing. The director told me I had a true tenor voice and that he wanted to help me develop it. We shook hands and that day we started an amazing, life-long musical journey together.
Under the director's guidance, I sang in all the school's productions and made All County Chorus. My first Barbershop experience was being part of the Barbershop quartet in the play, "The Music Man." I was hooked! For my graduation in 2004, we produced an Off-Broadway cabaret in Manhattan called “Some Enchanted Evening." It was a mix of show tunes and pop hits and was Standing Room Only.
In college, I sang with the concert choir, was a featured soloist, joined my church choir and also became the youngest member ever of the Nassau Mid-Island Harmonizers, a Barbershop Chorus. Later, I would also sing with the Long Island Sound Chorus at Five Towns College.
Over the years, I sang in different Barbershop quartets, like The Body Guards, Sons of Pitches and Nothing But Treble. I won my first novice quartet medal for 3rd place with The Body Guards in 2013.
That same year, my Dad passed away. Born and raised in Italy, he loved music and loved hearing me sing. My Dad always wanted me to make a CD, so to honor him, I did. My old director and I combined our talents again, this time producing a nine-track holiday CD, titled “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." It remains one of my proudest accomplishments.
Moving to Myrtle Beach in 2022, I wasn't sure how or where I would continue to sing. Luckily, I heard about the Low Country Barbershop Chorus and found myself singing tenor once more. There, I met the other members of the quartet and we formed The Overtones.
I am so happy to be ringing the chords with these great guys, spreading joy and harmony along the Grand Strand.
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