In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument
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Village Vocal Chords History
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 49 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. While rehearsals are held in Glen Ellyn, 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. The VVC membership is comprised of very busy women - housewives, full and part-time professionals in numerous fields, and retirees from the workforce. 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 areas of Music, Singing, and Presentation, plus a Certified Chairman of Judges. Along with our eleven quartet championships, VVC has had numerous quartets compete on the International stage, bringing home numerous medals. 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. |
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