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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 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.
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Harmony Diner Show, 2005 |
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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.
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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 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.
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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 |
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