They’ve Got Rhythm!
Joe Silberberg ('45) Reflects on Student Singing Group, The Rhythmaires
Joe Silberberg (’45) looks back fondly on his student days at Baruch, especially his time in the “Rhythmaires,” a student singing group that performed in shows and rallies. Silberberg recently shared his memories, printed below, detailing the founding of the group and recalling a memorable time they encountered none other than Frank Sinatra.
During the speeches welcoming the freshman class of 1945, an announcement was made asking students interested in forming a singing group to meet at the rear of the auditorium. Five students showed up and were met by Art Sydney, the author of “Our City.” The group was to be sponsored by House Plan.
We became “The Rhythmaires,” a very wonderful time in our lives. Singing in shows, appearing at basketball rallies at the Pauline Edwards Theatre, Christmas carols at local hospitals, and picking up a very young Frank Sinatra at the Paramount Theatre to sing at one of our big rallies.
Members (from left) of “The Rhythmaires:” Arthur Harrow (’45), Ruth Harris (’45), Bob Harris (’45), Joe Silberberg (’45), and Joe Boardman (’45).
The members of the group were Joe Boardman (’45), who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Madison Square Garden at the home games of the Knicks. Joe sang in opera houses for a couple of years and in 1963 became cantor of Westchester Reform Temple, not to mention a stint as a tennis pro.
Art Harrow (’45) was a painter for 40 years and on the board of Art Students League; he now resides in Boca Raton, Florida, and is well known for his paintings of horses–winners of the Kentucky Derby.
Ruth Harris (’45) married a Baruch professor in the Economics Department.
Bob Harris (’45) was a great guy with whom I sadly lost contact.
Meanwhile, I (Joe Silberberg) sang tenor. After taking all the foreign trade courses available with Jose Al Faro, I opened an export resident buying office, which closed after 50 years.
– Joseph Silberberg (’45)
