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Mark Pastor (bass, lead, musical director)
Mark is an original member of "the NorrisTones" and has been the group's musical director since its inception. Originally from Northeast Philly, Mark is a "69 graduate of Northeast High School and a graduate of Temple University. Mark has been involved with music all of his life and was a disk jocley for over 25 years. Mark is a computer systems analyst for the Vanguard Group and is also a member of the Vanguard Group's "Crewtones" choir, which has performed at the Kimmel Center. Mark and his wife Cindy reside in Pottstown. |
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John Jones(1st tenor, 2nd tenor, lead
John has been on the A Cappella scene for over 35 years. He formed "The Omega 5 Maestros", was an original member of the very popular "Neighbors Complaint", and also formed the well-known group "A Moment's Pleasure", which was under John's leadership for 19 years. John resides in Norristown with his wife Helen "MC".
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Ron Selix (baritone, 2nd tenor, lead)
Ron's first stage performance was in high school with a singing group consisting of Jackie Hart of the "Tramps" and Kenny Gamble of "Philadelphia International Records". After 1 year Ron became a free-lance drummer, playing mostly for the musicians' union. He performed with David Bay and Tom Bell. Ron eventually joined Tom Bell's writing staff working as a song writer and learning the music production business. Meeting the challenges of his life, Ron's musical skills were pushed to the limit performing background vocals and playing keyboard. For the past 15 years Ron has performed with the popular group called "The Voices of Zion". Taking advantage of the musical skills he acquired, Ron formed his own song writing and production business. Ron resides in West Conshohocken with his wife Mary.
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Andy Petruzelli (1st tenor, 2nd tenor, lead)
Andy graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School and Saint Joseph's University. From 1961 through 1970 Andy sang lead for the Classic IV. They released several 45 rpms in the early 60's such as: "Island of Paradise" (1961), "Please Be Mine" (1962), "True Story" (1964), "What Would I Do" (1964), and "Early Christmas" (1965). From 1970 through 1972 Andy, along with his wife Cheryl, sang leads for a top 40 band known as Interlude; and from 1972 through 1975 with a group known as Starburst. In 1995 Andy, his wife Cheryl, and son, Andy, Jr. formed a very successful discjockey and live entertainment business known as Starburst Entertainment (aka, "Music by Petruzelli"). In 2000 Andy reunited with the Classic IV, which then disbanded in 2002. Andy is the newest member of The NorrisTones joining the group in August 2006. Andy and his wife Cheryl, reside in East Norriton. |
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Cheryl Petruzelli (alto, 2nd tenor, lead)
Cheryl also graduated in '69 from Northeast High School. She has been in entertainment all of her life. In the late 60's she sang on "Sunday Breakfast Association" radio broadcasts in Philadelphia. Cheryl has also performed for our wounded servicemen/women of the VietNam War at Valley Forge Army Hospital, Philadelphia Naval Hospital and Coatesville Veterans Hospital. During the 70's Cheryl and Andy formed two top 40 bands known as "Interlude" and "Starburst", performing for many years throughout the tri-state area. In 1980, Andy and Cheryl formed an entertainment business (DJ and live performances) called "Music by Petruzelli" which they changed in 1995 to "Starburst Entertainment". When Andy reunited with his original group, the "Classic IV" in 2000, Cheryl also joined the group until they disbanded in 2002. Cheryl is honored to be a part of the legacy of our beloved founder, AC Clementi.
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IN LOVING MEMORY
How It Began
It was at a Christmas party in 1998 that AC Clementi and some of his friends were having fun singing in 4-part harmony some of those old songs they grew up with. That evening gave AC an idea; and he began his quest to form an A Cappella doo wop group. He brought together three of his friends; and they practiced together for a few months before they realized that a piece of the pie was missing...a bass man. One of the guys introduced Mark Pastor to the group in April 1999 and the doo wop group was complete. All they needed was a repertoire, some polish, and a blend of harmony that would give them their own unique sound. They practiced and polished up their act for the remainder of 1999.
In the fall of 1999 their first appearance in public was arranged. Radio personality, Jim Nettleton (WOGL 98.1-FM) held a dance party every Saturday evening at Johnny Cross' Restaurant in Blue Bell, PA. Mark Pastor, who is friend of Jim and the Cross family, arranged for the group to perform a half hour show on Saturday, February 12th, 2000.
Now the group had their first gig, a massive repertoire of eight songs, a decent sound, and no name. Each of the guys suggested names, but they could not agree on one until Mark Pastor suggested "The NorrisTones". As they all had a connection to Norristown and the name itself had a nostalgic '50s ring to it...it seemed to be just the right pick. And so it was decided, they would be known as "The NorrisTones".
About the middle of January 2000, one of the guys left the group. The NorrisTones had to rework their harmony to make four singers sound like five. The bass man switched back and forth between bass and baritone, the lead singer would fill some first tenor harmony spots, and for the most part, they thought it sounded good.
The moment of truth had arrived. Jim advertised the upcoming show for two weeks. Everyone in the group was excited, pumped, and nervous as hell. The place was packed and the show was a total success. From that point The NorrisTones never looked back. For the next two and one half years The NorrisTones performed successfully bringing their sound to Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs.
In January 2003, a major personnel change took place. The NorrisTones were then comprised of: First/Second Tenor - Sammy Baker, First/Second Tenor - John Jones, Second Tenor/Baritone - Ron Selix, Second Tenor/Baritone - Anthony (AC) Clementi, Bass Man - Mark Pastor. These five men developed a sweet sound that helped keep the music alive for the next three and one half years, wowing crowds wherever they performed.
In August 2006, Sammy Baker left the group to pursue other musical interests and The NorrisTones acquired Andy Petruzelli, a first/second tenor. Since that point in time, it has been one success after another. The NorrisTones performed three consecutive years in Harvey Holiday's (WOGL 98.1-FM) "Superbowl of A Cappella"; and in year three were the show's headline act. The Tropicana (Atlantic City), the World Cafe Live (Philadelphia), and Walter Reed Medical Center (Bethesda MD) are among other major venues where The NorrisTones have performed.
The NorrisTones are in the process of releasing their first CD, which will include some original tunes.
The NorrisTones want their fans to know it is always a pleasure and a thrill to perform for them. Their gratitude cannot be expressed to those fans that have been so loyal in supporting the group from the very beginning. For all the support, the kind remarks, and for keeping the music alive-THANKS-for without you there would be no us!
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