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The Village Vocal Chords Today
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The VILLAGE VOCAL CHORDS chorus has
been an organized
women's
barbershop chorus
since 1960 and chartered with the international organization of Harmony,
Inc. in April of 1961. Harmony, Inc. was founded on
February 26, 1959 in Rhode Island, and presently has approximately 3000 members
within the U.S. and Canada.
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Encore Performance, Harmony, Inc.
International Competition, Nov. 2005 |
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In
the 48 years of its existence, the VVC has had only three directors: G.
Ruth Geils, who retired in 1976; Jay Giallombardo from 1980-1983, and Jeanne
O'Connor from 1976-1979 and 1983 to the present. Under the tutelage of these
capable people, VVC has competed in 28 international contests, achieving three
3rd place medals, three 2nd place medals, and 17 International Championships in
1976, '79, '81, '83, '85, '87, '89, '91, '93, '95, '97, '99, '01, 03, 05, 07 and
09. While the
annual international contest has become a major focus over the years, the top
priority has always been to achieve excellence in performance,
whether it be on a contest stage or entertaining folks at a local retirement center.
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Harmony Diner Show, 2005 |
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While rehearsals are held in LaGrange, Illinois,
VVC attracts women from many Chicagoland suburbs and beyond. Over the years this membership has nurtured
eleven International Quartet
Champions, the most recent being "U4X" who won the coveted
Harmony crowns in 2008.
In
addition to both paid and charitable performances, the VVC has produced an
annual show, usually held each spring.
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Women in Black: VVC From Outer Space, 2004 Show Rehearsal |
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Generally, the VVC membership is comprised of
very busy women - housewives, full and part-time employed and retired
professionals, teachers, and health care professionals. Most of us are not
formally trained in voice, but we all adore barbershop's "ringing
chord", each other's company, and the goal of working toward our
musical improvement.
In our ranks are certified judges in the area
of Music and Singing and a Certified Chairman of Judges
with others working towards certification.
Along with our ten quartet championships, VVC has had numerous quartets compete on the International stage, bringing home 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place medals.
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VVC holds the distinction of being the first women's chorus invited to
perform at a Barbershop Harmony Society convention. In July of 1991
VVC members performed
with other quartets and choruses from around the world on the World Harmony
Jamboree in Louisville, KY and have repeated this appearance in 1995 in
Miami, and in 1998 in Atlanta. In September of 1992 VVC crossed the Atlantic
as invited guests of LABBS (Ladies Association of British Barbershop
Singers), to perform at their annual convention held in Warwick, and in
March 2003 performed in Holland as invited guests at their European Women's
Barbershop Contest. VVC is thrilled to represent women's
barbershop to our sisters across the Atlantic.
Most of all, VVC members are proud to be barbershoppers in Harmony, Inc., and
to work toward the betterment of our hobby, to
promote harmony with all.

Join us in celebrating in song with our
Harmony, Inc. sisters |
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