Love songs at Glenbard South

Instead of sending a Valentine’s Day card in the mail, some well-wishers will share their greetings by way of four singing seniors at Glenbard South High School.

Known as the Quad, the a cappella group of Jack Lawinger, Michael Norton, Matt Plachy and Sid Sethupathi are delivering Singing Valentines to students and community members for Valentine’s Day.

Beyond the hallways and classrooms of Glenbard South, the group has been known to pop up singing love songs almost anywhere: at offices, grocery stores, health clubs, church coffee hours and hospitals.

Stephanie Skizas, the school’s vocal music director, started the all-male a cappella group seven years ago after hearing about colleges such as Harvard and Yale that had similar groups.

“The singing telegraph as a whole is a lost art,” Skizas said. “We capitalize on that.”

Now, television shows like “The Sing-Off” may once again be popularizing a cappella singing, with roots in the doo-wop groups of the 1950s.

Certainly, the number of orders for Singing Valentines keep the four singers busy this time of year. Last year, there were about 100 orders just within Glenbard South. Singing requests are still coming in this year, and there isn’t a final tally yet, but every year some orders have to be turned down, Skizas said.

“When they see there’s four guys dressed in black, they say, ‘Hey, those guys are cool,’” Norton said. “We try to bring life, happiness and fun to those who order valentines.”

The Quad has sung throughout the suburbs, including at a Woodfield Shopping Center restaurant during a marriage proposal, and as a husband was delivering breakfast in bed to his wife. One man gave a donation for the singers to go to a retirement home of their choice to entertain residents.

“When you make people happy, it’s contagious,” Skizas said.

The Quad performs songs off a list that includes classics like “In the Still of the Night” and “Stand by Me,” but every year newer songs are added. This year, they’re performing “Hey Soul Sister.”

The group will be out delivering their songs in the community today and after school Monday. Several Singing Valentines have been requested by students, faculty and staff during the school day Monday.

Some are from boyfriends to girlfriends and vice versa, some are among friends, and others are sent by secret admirers.

Skizas says the Quad is held in high esteem at Glenbard South, and has helped build the school’s overall music program.

At Glenbard South, the group charges $5 for a Singing Valentine, with proceeds going to charity. Outside the school, song requesters pay $25.

Last year, more than $1,300 was raised for Easter Seals, and the year before, $1,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year’s proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.

Beyond Valentine’s Day, the Quad has performed at weddings and baby showers, and takes part in Glenbard South’s pops concert in May. For details, call (630) 469-6500.