Joining the Chorus
Joining the ChorusThe Chorus of the Genesee has a lot to offer interested singers. This page will detail just a few of them, and will grow in time.
The Chorus of the Genesee is always singing. We rehearse and perform throughout the year. The Chorus also competes in District contests in the Spring and Fall, and often qualifies to compete at the International Contest held in July. The Chorus stages its Annual Show each May, inviting top notch barbershop talent as guest artists. December often means caroling in local malls and in the Village of Webster. The Chorus also participates regularly in Webster's White Christmas. The Chorus is a regular fixture at the annual Barbershop at the Beach in Charlotte, and has performed at the Sodus Bay Lighthouse each of the past three years.
Since singing is the cornerstone of our organization, we want to help new members sing well from the start. Each rehearsal includes a warm-up session designed to teach proper singing technique and bring the many voices in the chapter together into one sound. In order to help new members learn the music as quickly as possible, we've instituted a teaching quartet that meets every other week during normally-scheduled rehearsals. New members work with the teaching quartet to get instruction on the repertoire at an accelerated pace. Those wishing to sing in a quartet, considered by many to be the epitome of the barbershop style, will find plenty of oppurtunities to get started, including our Singing Valentines program.
New members are also encouraged to take advantage of Jack Simpson's Polecat sessions at 6:30 each Tuesday. The Polecat songs are easy to learn and easy to sing. Since most members of the Barbershop Harmony Society know at least one part to each of the Polecat songs, an ad hoc quartet often has an instant repertoire of a dozen songs! Afterglows following conventions, shows, and even regular rehearsals are often packed with people getting together to make music.
Barbershop is a four-part singing style. It can't be done alone! Barbershoppers tend to be personable people who enjoy ringing chords with friends and strangers alike. Working towards a common goal brings men together.
The Chorus of the Genesee is proud to have a long list of trips to International Competition in its history. Each Fall, the choruses of each district in the Society compete for the right to represent their district the following July. This Spring, we won the title of District Champion. Since 1990, the Chorus has competed in New Orleans, Calgary, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Anaheim, Nashville, Portland, and Montreal.
In the Spring of 2000, the Chorus of the Genesee crossed the Atlantic for a trip to Ireland. The trip included performances in St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin and at the Killarney Roaring '20s Festival. Another highlight of the trip was marching in Ireland's second-largest St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The Chorus of the Genesee is the singing arm of the Rochester, New York chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. To support the Chorus's many activities, the Chapter has many responsibilities, including Harmony House maintenance. There is a Board of Directors which includes both chapter officers and members at large. Help is always needed to coordinate one-time and annual events like the Annual Show, Singing Valentines, and holiday parties. If you're looking for an organization that's a fit for more than just your singing talents, give us a try!
If you'd like to know more about being a member of the Chorus of the Genesee, contact Membership VP Scott Ventura at 585-414-6530 or <membership[at]ChorusoftheGenesee[dot]org>.
Most recent change:
If you have any comments or suggestions, please email Scott Ventura and David Merillat at <webmaster[at]ChorusoftheGenesee[dot]org>.
Chorus of the Genesee / P.O. Box 333 / Webster NY 14580
URL: http://www.ChorusOfTheGenesee.org/