BOX SEAT: Harmonic voices resound with love
Last spring during the international championships of the Barbershop Harmony Society -- a worldwide organization of barbershop groups -- I shared a bit about Middle Georgia's very own harmonizing a cappella group, the Heart of Georgia Barbershop Chorus.
It is a nonprofit educational organization "dedicated to harmony, fun and fellowship," and it aims to "keep the whole world singing."
An affiliate of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Heart of Georgia Barbershop Chorus, which was formed in the 1950s, sings and promotes the barbershop style of harmony. This type of unaccompanied four-part close-harmony singing has been a part of the American fabric since the last half of the 19th century.
The popularity of this style of music in the Georgia heartland is strong, and its harmonies can be heard very often in our region -- especially in February.
Today and tomorrow, the Heart of Georgia Barbershop Chorus is offering a special, Valentine's Day service called "Singing Valentines," when two quartets -- Macon Harmony and Harmonic Balance -- travel to make individualized appearances for people all over the region. (Both quartets are registered with the Barbershop Harmony Society.)
These personal mini-concerts, so to speak, provide a surprise Valentine's Day gift for your loved one in the form of the performance of two romantic love songs in the old-style of barbershop harmony, a rose and a card.
When asked about their Valentine's Day activities, the group's president, Don Schall, a member since 1990, said, "We perform all year round at nursing homes, assisted living residences and just about anywhere we can, but our Valentine's Day programs are very popular in Middle Georgia and we are fortunate that they provide us with our primary fundraising opportunity. Every year, we designate a local charity to which we donate a portion of the proceeds. We're currently supporting the Heart of Georgia Hospice in Warner Robins and were able to set aside over $2,000 for them last year."
The Heart of Georgia Barbershop Chorus currently consists of about 22 men who meet every Monday. The group invites you to attend their rehearsals -- and join in the singing -- at Christ United Methodist Church on Russell Parkway in Warner Robins.
To schedule your very own "Singing Valentines" performance and for more information, visit www.hogchorus.org or call 478-345-SING.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Contact Melanie Byas at melanie@retrowarehouse.com.
This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 5:09 PM with the headline "BOX SEAT: Harmonic voices resound with love ."