The Ritz
The Ritz is the Barbershop Harmony Society's 1991 International Quartet Champion.
Quartet Members
Winning Members:
- Tenor: Jim Shisler
- Lead: Doug Nichol
- Bari: D.J. Hiner
- Bass: Ben Ayling
Former Members:
- Bari: Clay Shumard (84-87)
Contest Placement
International
| 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15th | 13th | 6th | 9th | 7th | 4th | 1st |
District (PIO)
Represented the Johnny Appleseed District at International.
- 1984 - 1st
Recordings
- Puttin' On The Ritz (2002)
- Rare Times (1997)
- The Ritz Anthology (year) - includes:
- On Moonlight Bay (year)
- Swingin' on a Star (1994)
- Old Songs Are Just Like Old Friends (1992)
- I'm Beginning to See the Light (1991)
- The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
- The Ritz (Cassette)
Also appear on
- First Recording with the Pride of Toledo Chorus
Extended History
The Ritz is a unique quartet in that it is comprised of four vocal music teachers, each from a different school district. Tenor Jim Shisler, lead Doug Nichol, bari D.J. Hiner and bass Ben Ayling.
Since winning the Pioneer District Quartet Championship in 1984, The Ritz decided to compete and in Louisville, KY, in July of 1991, they became the international champions while representing the Johnny Appleseed District.
The Ritz has focused on making performance tours and studio recordings producing six successful releases.
The quartet had regularly performed throughout the United States and Canada and has been the featured entertainment aboard Caribbean, Alaskan and Hawaiian cruise ships. Their concert tours have taken them to Great Britain, Russia, New Zealand and Australia.
In the fall of 1994 they were featured on the nationally broadcasted PBS special, "Keep America Singing" and again in March of 1996 on the " World's Largest Concert."
External Links