Ritchie Lavene
Sometimes in life the timing is just perfect, and you come across someone whose experience and passion intersect at exactly the moment you most need them. That someone is our Director, Ritchie Lavene. You can’t be in a room with Ritchie for more than five minutes before you’re pulled into his energetic vortex and suddenly feel compelled to make the world a better place through harmony and song!
Ritchie brings more than 45 years of barbershop experience with the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), having started singing in a chorus with his father as a young child. He can’t remember a life without four-part harmony or the camaraderie of the voices around him.
He has immersed himself in the culture, the music, and the fellowship, and he exudes that with every stroke of his hand as he directs. Over the years, he has traveled across the country and around the world, coaching top-tier groups and directors—spreading his passion for the “hobby” (read: lifestyle!). Ritchie has shared his expertise in barbershop schools, festivals, and competitions across the country and around the world, and he continues to play an active role in BHS leadership, serving as a Performance Category Judge, Music Director, educator, and Hall of Honor member of the Mid-Atlantic District of BHS.
While he has been directing choruses since the age of 12 (it’s all he ever wanted to do!), Jersey Sound is his first opportunity directing a Sweet Adelines International (SAI) chorus. and he's been loving this new challenge! You can feel his joy every time he steps before the chorus. His enthusiasm and quick wit will have you on your toes and give you the motivation to take yourself to the next level as a performer and singer. He is respected, he is fun, and he is committed to making sure your time with us is worth it. Come sing for him—you won’t be disappointed!
