Ford City Grad Brings ‘Quartet’ Home Sunday

by Jonathan Weaver

After Sam Piper graduated from Ford City High in June, he was all-set to go to college.

The former Student Council President would have studied Music Pedagogy – an in-depth study of teaching – but he elected to jump start his career by latching onto the Southern Gospel group “Mission Quartet” in November.

Based in Florence, Kentucky, Piper – who sings bass – performed his first concert with the quartet November 9 in Alabama – a week after he auditioned.

“I was accepted at Lancaster Bible College, and I auditioned – I had everything set up – but I wasn’t totally set on it. With this opportunity God had presented, that was my answer,” Sam said. “We seem to blend really well together.”

Sam– who also won the 2012 “Festival Idol” competition at the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival - will bring his talent back home this Sunday, performing at his home church – Pine Creek Baptist along Route 28/66 in Kittanning – at 6PM after singing at the 11AM morning service at First Baptist Church in Butler.

Even though he is a little nervous.

“It’s a little different – it sounds weird, but I’m more comfortable singing in front of total strangers. A little more nerve-wracking singing in front of people I know,” Sam said. “I’ve done some different concerts at my church, but this is the first concert I’ve done with the group I’m currently a part of.”

Sam is the youngest member of the group at least by 20 years, but he said the group is “young-spirited.” He still thought it was quite-a-change from when he sang with all high school students at Ford City High.

“(The rest of Mission Quartet) has more-mature voices – when you sing in a choir with 15-year-old boys, it’s a little different,” Sam said. “Plus, there’s a lot of developing. They’re very seasoned singers, so they’re helping me a lot, too.

“I need to be the best I can be. I see myself being here awhile.”

Mother, Dawn, will be front-row at the evening concert.
“It’s going to be hard once he’s out on the road, but God will give me the ability to be OK while he’s gone,” Dawn said. “I’m very excited for him.”

After singing in Kentucky before a holiday break, “Mission Quartet” will tour through Florida at the end of January and into February. There are no more shows currently scheduled in Pennsylvania.

A love offering will be accepted at the free show Sunday night.