A strong fine arts program and committed staff are long traditions in Greendale Schools. It’s not unusual to learn that over the 88 years of our district when staff members saw a chance for student success, they carefully cultivated opportunities for students. This was evident with the Class of 1975 and its barbershop quartet, 4 of a Kind.

In 1973, Greendale High School’s choir director pulled four juniors together for the state music contest. She saw a unique potential in their blending voices, but none of the young men could have predicted that a single classroom assignment would launch a years-long adventure and friendship for Tom Allen, Bill Burch, Steve LaRocco, and Mike Treske.

"Our choir director, Nina Monahan, brought us together in 1973 to sing as a quartet for a state music contest," recalls Steve LaRocco, looking back on the group's beginnings. The group performed their prepared piece with success, as Monahan expected, but it was the reaction of the contest judge that changed the trajectory of their musical careers.

After their performance, a judge asked if they knew any other songs. Although they admitted they didn’t have a second piece, he didn't dismiss them. He made an intriguing offer: if they could learn more material, he had a gig waiting for them.

"That got the ball rolling," LaRocco says. "It never would have happened without Mrs. Monahan's initial nudge and that judge’s encouragement." From there the group, 4 of Kind was launched.

The group quickly expanded its repertoire, moving beyond school requirements to master the complex, ringing chords of barbershop harmony. They began performing at local restaurants and community events. In the summer following high school graduation, they spent ten days performing at the Pabst Pavilion during the Wisconsin State Fair.

One evening, following a State Fair performance Tom (Allen) and his dad were talking about the day’s events, when the elder Allen had a great prophecy. Tom Allen remembers his father applauding their hard work and saying, “I really believe this music is going to keep you together forever.”

The four friends eventually moved on to college at UW-Eau Claire, where they joined the  school’s men’s group, The Statesmen. They became a featured ensemble within the renowned choir, honing their craft at a collegiate level. From there a massive opportunity appeared on the horizon:  the opening of Marriott’s Great America.

In 1976, as the theme park was being built in Gurnee, Illinois, its managers were looking for a premier barbershop quartet. "We won the job over 30 plus quartets," LaRocco notes. The group spent two summers after college performing throughout the park. The connection to Great America provided opportunities for singing the national anthem for both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs, as well as an appearance on Bozo the Clown and a feature on Captain Kangaroo. They were even highlighted in a 90-minute special about the park's grand opening on WLS-TV in Chicago.

After college, the four proceeded with their careers and families, living around the country but staying in touch when they could. “Even though we went our separate ways, we always made it a priority to stay connected and sing together whenever we could,” remarked Mike Treske, the group’s baritone. 

Today, the four remain best friends and still sing together. They all reside in the Carolinas. While most of the singing they do now is just for fun, the four do get together regularly. 

In the summer of 2026, the quartet performed back at the now Six Flags Great America during its 50th Anniversary celebration. They visited Greendale High School and took the stage to open the Spring 2026 High School Choir Concert. They also returned to GHS in September to rehearse prior to performing the National Anthem at a Milwaukee Brewers home game.

When asked about their time at GHS, the group agreed growing up in Greendale was extraordinary. Treske stated how the programs in Greendale were really a melting pot mentality. “Everyone was a part of the choir and plays,” he stated. “It created a lot of camaraderie. Greendale was conducive to trying all the things. It helped us to have so many opportunities.”

The men agreed there is still something special about Greendale. “Singing the Alma Mater with the students was amazing,” LaRocco commented. “The music holds us together.”

It remains a testament to the power of a teacher who saw a harmony they hadn't yet discovered themselves.