IN TUNE
PAM AND KEITH HARTER — HARMONIOUSLY MERGING SIGHT AND SOUND
When describing the very special husband-and-wife relationship that exists between long-term ’09 residents Pam and Keith Harter, the term “perfect harmony” quickly comes to mind. For those who know Keith and his passion for and success with all aspects of the auditory, the musical connotation is obvious and apt. But while Pam certainly shares a love for a song well sung, composed and/or played, it’s been the welcome addition of her considerable and recognized visual strengths and skills to the mix that have also enhanced the exceptional accord enjoyed by these fortunate two. As a result, since 1981 this diverse but devoted duo has nurtured, complemented, supported and harmoniously sustained each other – but that’s just what happens when a loving couple is so completely “in tune.” Pam O’Brien Harter is a local girl. She spent the majority of her youth living, learning and laughing within the ‘09 ‘hood. It was certainly a happy childhood and adolescence. As a young adult, she worked as her father’s indispensable dental assistant (her dad is Dr. A. Q. O’Brien, a respected ‘09 dentist) while also studying radio, TV and film at San Antonio College.
She later earned her BA at Trinity University. After graduation, Pam went to work for a close relative who operated a flourishing multimedia business that specialized in creating new employee orientations and targeted video presentations. The experience garnered during these years led to her landing a position in 1983 within United Services Automobile Association (USAA) as a video production specialist. It was during her lengthy tenure at USAA that she established herself as an accomplished director/manager in video creation and production. She eventually used these skills to transition into other areas of the communication field, where her natural abilities in organization and planning melded perfectly with her visual proficiencies. She remained with USAA for the next 23 years before she retired. Regarding Keith, it was ultimately music that brought this gifted individual to the Alamo City. Growing up in Staunton, Va., he, like a lot of youngsters in the early ‘60s, was inspired by the Beatles and became determined to learn how to play an instrument. At age 12, he acquired his first guitar, thus embarking on what would become a lifelong pursuit of musical learning and creation. Initially self-taught — playing by ear while independently studying music theory — Keith soon excelled as a performing player and composer. During high school and later at college (he attended James Madison University), Keith continued to study within the classroom and beyond. Thanks to his talent, he was able to support himself during his academic years by playing professionally in cover bands. It was in 1980, however, that his intense desire for even more knowledge of his chosen instrument led to his enrollment in the esteemed Southwest Guitar Conservancy based in San Antonio … so south he came. After graduating with honors, Keith was flattered with a job offer from the conservancy to become one of their full-time instructors, which he surprised himself by accepting – he had originally intended to head to Nashville to become a “studio musician.” Fortunately for the San Antonio music scene, his new gig (and ultimately Pam) kept him here, where he quickly went on to even more impressive accomplishments in the field of music, including the establishment in 1985 of the Keith Harter Music Studio.
Today this incredible 7,000-square-foot state-of-the-art full-service recording/production company serves the advertising and professional music communities, locally and abroad. (For more information about the studio, visit: www.hartermusic.com). He also regularly gets in a few guitar licks as a paid performer, often as Rick Cavender’s lead guitarist. So what brought these seemingly different individuals together? In retrospect, it was pure serendipity aided by their own unique abilities (sight and sound). During Keith’s first year in SA, he — the musician and conservancy student — was the lead guitarist in a popular area-based country band. Pam, the budding videographer, was asked by a friend if she would take some publicity shots of this very same group. And you can guess the rest – while on that assignment, they met and were immediately drawn to each other (Pam liked his long hair. Keith was attracted by her keen wit). They soon began dating, and by February of 1981, the smitten guitarist proposed, an excited Pam accepted, and the two have been “making beautiful music ever since” – and a lot more, including establishing an ‘09 homestead and raising their two handsome and musically gifted sons – Joshua and Jon – who now work at the Harter studio while performing occasionally with Dad (and he on occasion with them since the kids have their own successful band, The Colleens.) And what keeps them together? As mentioned earlier, their 34-year relationship has proven to be so durable because of what each brings to the marriage. Keith’s incredible creativity in music coupled with Pam’s equally impressive ability to visually “see” the big and the small picture, spiced by large measures of shared humor and freely – offered advice, has kept this well-matched pair laughing, loving and simply living in perfect “Harter harmony.” Whether it’s making decisions at the studio (Pam helped design the facility and handles various business operations there), planning vacations, working around the house or just deciding what’s for dinner, they are truly a team (a duet) where each acts as a receptive and welcome sounding board for the other’s dreams, aspirations, ambitions and desires – personally and professionally. Yep, that’s been their key – that and simply being “in tune.”
By ERNIE ALTGELT
Photography by CASEY HOWELL
