Discover the Joy of Barbershop Harmony
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Award-Winning Peace Arch Chorus Invites Community to Discover the Joy of Barbershop Harmony
Fresh off a 3rd Place Division A finish at the recent Western Canada Regional Convention and Competition of SingUnited International (formerly Sweet Adelines International) at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Peace Arch Chorus is bringing that momentum home to the Fraser Valley with two opportunities for local residents to experience barbershop harmony for themselves.
The regional bronze medal followed months of rehearsal, coaching, and preparation by chorus members from Langley, Surrey, White Rock, and surrounding communities. This fall, the chorus is shifting the spotlight from competition to community, inviting new singers to discover the music, connection, and unmistakable sound of four-part barbershop harmony.
As part of BC Culture Days, Peace Arch Chorus will present a free Barbershop HarmonyDiscovery Evening on September 23. Designed for curious newcomers, the interactive evening will offer a hands-on introduction to what makes barbershop harmony unique—and, for many singers, so compelling.
Participants will sing alongside chorus members, explore the basics of four-part harmony, and experience firsthand how individual voice parts combine to create the ringing chords that distinguish the barbershop style. The free Discovery Evening is open to women and
non-binary singers who are comfortable singing in treble ranges.
The experience will also provide a natural introduction to Sing the Season, Peace ArchChorus's Christmas Community Chorus, which begins October 14. The eight-week seasonal program gives community members the opportunity to learn festive music and ultimately perform with Peace Arch Chorus in a holiday performance on December 13. Registration is $40 and includes weekly rehearsals, music and learning resources, vocal coaching, and participation in the final performance.
Sing the Season is also open to women and non-binary singers who are comfortable singing in treble ranges. No audition is required, and participants do not need to know how to read music. The program is designed for people who love Christmas music, are curious about singing in a group, or simply want to try something new without making a year-round commitment.
"While we're incredibly proud of our regional success, we're just as excited about sharing this art form with our community," said Elvera Collier, Director of Peace Arch Chorus. "Barbershop
harmony is unlike any other style of singing. When those four voice parts come together and create that ringing sound, there's really nothing quite like it. We want more people to have the chance to experience that for themselves."
The invitation isn't limited to special events. Anyone interested in discovering more about Peace Arch Chorus is welcome to attend a regular rehearsal any Wednesday, meet chorus members, hear barbershop harmony up close, and experience a rehearsal firsthand.
From regional competition to community participation, Peace Arch Chorus hopes its success this year will help introduce more Fraser Valley residents to an art form its members are passionate about sharing.
For more information about Peace Arch Chorus, upcoming events, or visiting a Wednesday rehearsal, visit peacearchchorus.ca/sing-with-us