Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus have a woman director for the first time in their history

Known as the “men who sing” across the State College area, the Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus now have a woman leading them for the first time in their 63-year history.

Patricia “Tricia” Andriaccio was recently inducted as the chorus’ new director, taking over for Graham Sanders, who held the role since 2016.

“It’s very exciting. At first, I thought some of the guys were a bit leery of that. I feel like, as the weeks go on, they’re learning that it’s OK,” Andriaccio said last month. “I know most of them. I’ve been around a lot of them for a couple of years, because my husband’s in the group, so it’s been a little bit easier for me that way.”

Andriaccio is an accomplished pianist and conductor who studied music at the State University of New York at Fredonia, and also completed a master’s degree in music education. She taught high school chorus for 15 years on Long Island, directed musicals, and played the piano for numerous events and college auditions.

After moving to Pennsylvania, Andriaccio became the director of the Bellefonte Victorian Christmas Choir.

Nittany Knights president Paul Wagner said that Andriaccio has been a great addition to the chorus, which is the State College chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

“She’s a very experienced music educator. She’s very talented,” he said. “Her barbershop is a little different than some other forms of choral music, and she is just getting on board with it so quickly. She’s just open.”

Andriaccio seems to have found her place among the Nittany Knights. In rehearsals, the director tries to add changes and give constructive feedback to further enhance the chorus’ harmony.

“What I’m trying to do right now is a learning process, but they’re learning my way. It means the world to me,” Andriaccio said.

The chorus consists of men ranging in age from 15 to 84, and they welcome singers of all backgrounds and skill levels to their rehearsals. For many, the chorus is more than just a place to sing — it’s a safe and supportive community.

“I’ve been doing this for 36 years with this chorus. It’s probably the most important thing that I do,” Wagner said. “I’ve been on several different professional boards. I worked in medical imaging and I taught at the school for 20 years, but this has been one of my top priorities. It’s a vital part of who we all are.”

The Nittany Knights perform at various events in Centre County, including festivals, nursing homes, senior centers, youth choirs and community groups. They also have a special quartet that delivers Valentine’s Day serenades each year.

In addition to performing, the group is committed to community service. They organize litter pickups, assemble Jared Boxes for children, and take part in the Centre County United Way’s Day of Caring.

Andriaccio received her Barbershop Harmony Certificate on Feb. 3, calling it a “great step.”

“Women have been part of the barbershop in the Sweet Adelines groups, but to have women directors in a men’s group is a big step,” she said.

And when it comes to working with her husband, Mike, who is a member of the chorus, Andriaccio said that’s been an easy adjustment, too.

“I make him practice a lot at home,” she said.

The Nittany Knights’ next big performance will take place at 7 p.m. May 17 at The State Theatre in downtown State College. The annual concert has been held at the theater since 2017, and this year, the group has received a grant from its parent organization to host a Youth Music Festival.

Three schools from the State College Area School District will participate. Sixty students will take part in an all-day workshop titled “Sound Celebration,” culminating in a performance at the concert.

“We’ll also be coaching the students on the Friday before the show with the 2024 international barbershop champions,‘Three And A Half Men’ from Orlando,’” said Mark Ciletti, a tenor in the group. “One of their members is the head of music development at Disney World. It’s going to be an incredible experience for everyone.”

To learn more about the Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus and their upcoming events, visit www.nittanyknights.org.

This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 6:00 AM.