In 1981 a new barbershop chorus was formed in the Chicago area to foster the love of barbershop harmony and incidentally to focus on musical excellence as part of the expressed goal of becoming one the best male a cappella chorus in the world. With that goal in mind, New Tradition Chorus began competing in 1982 and became the Illinois District Champions in 1987. That success qualified them for the International Competition. From that year they have never failed to win a medal and have been Silver Medalists for the last five years. From the very beginning, the music director has been the prolific writer and arranger, Jay Giallombardo. Performances in the Chicago area include appearances at conventions, outdoor festivals, banquets and political events, including performing at the Democratic National Committee Media Party, on national TV for Chicago Bears football games, at Chicago White Sox baseball games and in Canada and Ireland (for the St. Patrick's day festivities in 1997.) The annual Spring Show production has 3 performances and presents the chorus and chapter quartets set in a particular theme (e.g. Broadway, Irish, Patriotic, Western). In addition to singing, the members write, produce, direct, and design lighting and scenery for these shows. As a result it was natural to produce a recording of Broadway show tunes. You'll hear music from State Fair, Les Miserables, Carousel, Phantom of the Opera, Paint Your Wagon, Sound of Music, West Side Story, Cats, and more, sung by this chorus who has not achieved their goal to be the best in the world just yet. To date they are 'only' one of the best!