ARTIST PROFILE
A Brief History of The Northland Barbershop Chorus
The Northland Barbershop Chorus began in 1959 when four local men met to sing four part harmony using the voicing and style of the traditional barbershop quartet. These men, Harry Shardlow, Frank Elliott, Ted Spry, and Len Klyne, could hardly have imagined the seeds they planted would give rise to today's chorus, now approaching its 50th year. In that time, hundreds of men have enjoyed the thrill of a cappella singing, while entertaining many thousands of Sault and area residents.
By 1961, the group had expanded to 26 members and had received their official charter to become the Sault Chapter of SPEBSQSA – The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. – now simply known as The Barbershop Harmony Society - which serves 809 chapters and 33,000 members across North America. Their first public show was held in 1962 and a major show has been presented annually since.
The Northlands Chorus is a not-for-profit, incorporated organization comprised 100% of volunteers devoted to fostering and promoting the barbershop style of music: 4-part harmony with the melody in the second voice, sung a cappella.
Since 1995, funds generated by the annual show that are in excess of annual operating needs have been donated to the Speech and Language Pathology Department of the Sault Area Hospitals. These funds support of a variety of speech therapy programs and assist those for whom stroke, cancer, head injury or other ailments have robbed their ability to communicate. In 2007, the total donated by The Northland Chorus to this often overlooked cause will top $30,000. We Sing… That They Shall Speak.
Today, the chorus membership stands at 40 men. They'd love to crack
50! All men who love to sing are welcome to drop in to a Chapter
meeting. The Chapter meets every Monday evening from the 1st Monday
after Labour Day until late June from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints hall located at 126 Caledon.
The ability to read music, while helpful, is not mandatory. They
will teach you. The only requirements are the ability and desire
to sing.
Visit the Northland Barbershop Chorus at their website: www.Harmonize.com/northlandchorus
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