Paragon, a barbershop quartet from the Fostoria, Ohio, chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc.) was originally formed in 1990.  Now, with just one of the four original members, this group of singers is active throughout northwestern Ohio in many different settings.

Paragon’s ever-expanding repertoire includes barbershop standards, modern harmonies, comic numbers, and many gospel melodies.  They have performed for President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush, and for President Bill Clinton and Chelsea during their respective campaign trips through the area.  They have sung with two different Elvis impersonators, and have played the school board in four different productions of “The Music Man”.

          Their many religious and gospel tunes have opened the doors of many area churches to the quartet, and they receive much satisfaction from their church appearances.

          The members of the quartet are Jon Stotzer, tenor, who lives with his wife, Stephanie, in Tiffin, Ohio.  Jon is an attorney with an office in Fostoria.

          The low notes are sung by Cal Springer.  Cal and his wife Marianne live in Findlay, Ohio, where Cal is employed as an accountant for a large Findlay-based company.

          Filling the lead (melody) part is Bill Miller.  Bill is a retired history teacher who spent his career in Upper Sandusky.  He now works as parts manager for Miami Industrial Trucks in Findlay.  He and his wife Joanne live near Mount Blanchard, Ohio

          The baritone part is handled by Fred Schmidt, the only remaining original member.  He is a vocal music teacher who is retired from the Oregon City Schools.  He and his wife, Tenesha, reside in rural Bowling Green, Ohio, with their three cats and two dogs.

          Paragon hopes they can continue to bring their music and humor to audiences throughout the area.  Contact Fred Schmidt at 419.833.1993 or email Paragon  for information on bookings for your group.