It won’t be long until it’s time for the 10th annual Night of Barbershop Harmony, presented by the Keystone Capital Chorus, Harrisburg’s local Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing In America, Inc.

It hardly seems possible that a decade has passed since these boys put on their very first show at the Forum in the Capitol Complex in 1949. Then, five years ago, they brought one of the best known barbershop quartets in the nation to Harrisburg for their fifth annual show — the 1950 International Champion Buffalo Bills, who of course went on to star in The Music Man on Broadway and later for Hollywood.

The Chorus has been growing steadily since it became an official barbershop chorus with sponsorship by the York Chapter. Today there are 35 singers under the direction of Jack Knerr. Charlie Knerr, Jack’s brother, is serving his second year as President of the group. Charlie also directed the chorus for a couple years.

Actually, the Keystone Capital Chorus is 12 years old — having been organized in 1946 — but it was two years until the decision was made to hold an annual Night of Harmony for the community. As usual, this year’s show will feature some great local quartets as well as a pair of visiting quartets, in addition to music by the chorus itself.

Looking down the road, the Chorus has some pretty ambitious long-term goals by the time the 50th annual show rolls around in 1998. (By the way, they’ve already booked that 50th annual show for May 1-2, 1998 at the Hershey Theatre — now that’s great planning!) By that time:

•They’d like to become one of the best and biggest barbershop choruses in the nation — say 125 members strong with at least 100 singers on stage.

•With the international barbershop society holding chorus competitions now since 1953, they’d like to improve musically and be able to compete with “the big boys,” say in the top 3 percent for quality, and maybe even posing a threat to qualify for the international level.

•They’d like to broaden their repertoire to encompass Broadway and pop tunes and many other kinds of music, in addition to traditional barbershop and patriotic songs.

•They’d like to bring not just one international champion quartet to Harrisburg, but two for that 50th annual show — say a men’s champion quartet and a ladies’ championship quartet.

•They’d like to have a real charismatic Musical Director on board — one who can excite both a chorus and an audience. Only problem is, the guy they have in mind as Director, Hal Kraft of Camp Hill, is only in first grade! But they’re going to keep an eye on him anyway!

•And, oh yes, if people are still using telephones in 1998, they want it known that tickets for that 50th annual show on May 1-2 will be available at: 774-6539.