Ron Schwesinger

Member, Baritone

Bio/Profile
Music has always been a joy for me. I have been signing since I was 4 years old in Sunday School at our New Apostolic Church in Toledo, Ohio. I sang in various chorus groups in grade school and high school. I took about 3 years of Piano lessons beginning at the age of 10. I enjoyed singing on our church choir since age 11. In 1974 my family moved to Pittsburgh and I continued singing in our Pittsburgh congregation of the New Apostolic Church. In July 1979 my wife Karen and I married. Also, In 1979 I began directing our local and sub-district mixed and male choirs and in the same year my wife became the Organist. Later in 1979, I was ordained a Deacon in our church two months after our wedding and in 1981 ordained a Priest. I was asked to direct our District Choir which comprised 15 congregations and about 150 choir members. I also assisted in directing our 20 piece district orchestra and have had the privilege to direct a large 3 district choir group of about 350 choir members. After 24 years of directing I was appointed in 2004 as the Rector of our Pittsburgh Congregation in Greentree which I hold currently. All of my church responsibilities are volunteer positions. Not being able to direct choirs in my new responsibility, I longed for the opportunity to sing again in 4 part harmony either in our choir or male choir so I would sing along whenever I could. When the invitation came to try out in the Pittsburgh South Hills Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, I didn’t hesitate at the opportunity. After my first evening in the program I was convinced that I wanted to be a part of this singing organization.
Ron has also been employed full time at the University of Pittsburgh for over 40 years and is currently the Director of Grant Administration in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. My first position was in Research Accounting in the Controller’s Office which was located in the Cathedral of Learning. Since I love music I enrolled in a music class at Pitt and my teacher was Professor Lord who was also the Heinz Chapel Organist at the time. Ron and his wife Karen have been married 40 years and have three children, Melissa, Michael, and Andrea. They also have three Grandchildren, Maycie – 11 years old, Ramon – 7 years old and Eliana – 5 years old. I enjoy the Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. I enjoy playing the piano, singing, biking, travelling, and most of my spare time is spent enjoying our children and grandchildren.