The Village Vocal Chords Today
 

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.  

In the 46 years of our chapter's existence, we have 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, we have competed in 26 international contests, achieving three 3rd place medals, three 2nd place medals, and 16 International Championships in 1976, '79, '81, '83, '85, '87, '89, '91, '93, '95, '97, '99, '01, 03, 05 and 07. While the annual international contest has become a major focus over the years, our top priority has always been to achieve excellence in our singing and performing, whether it be on a contest stage or entertaining a local retirement center.  
 

While we rehearse in LaGrange, Illinois, we draw our 35+ members from many of the Chicagoland suburbs and beyond. Over the years this membership has nurtured ten International Quartet Champions, the most recent being "VOICES" who won the coveted Harmony crowns in 2002.
 
In addition to both paid and charitable performances, the VVC have produced an annual show, usually held each spring. We have also produced several recordings over the years, most recently in 2004.
 

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 two certified Chairman of Judges, a certified Music Judge, and a certified Singing Judge.

Along with our 10 Quartet Championship quartets, we have had numerous quartets compete on the International stage and bring home 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place medals.  
 

We also hold the distinction of being the first women's chorus invited to perform at a Barbershop Harmony Society convention. In July of 1991 we performed with other quartets and choruses from around the world on the World Harmony Jamboree in Louisville, KY. We have repeated this appearance in 1995 in Miami, and in 1998 in Atlanta. In September of 1992 we 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.  We were thrilled to be able to represent women's barbershop to our sisters across the Atlantic.

But, most of all, we are proud to be barbershoppers in Harmony, Inc., and work toward the betterment of our hobby, to promote harmony with all.

Join us in celebrating in song with thousands of our Harmony, Inc.Sisters