By Jane Mosgrove
The harmonious sounds of the Capital Chordettes, a women’s barbershop chorus, provide a unique musical experience.
Fresh from attending an international competition in Indiana in November, where they placed second among 20 choruses, the group is enjoying the busy holiday season.
Unlike music on commercial radio, the chorus sings unaccompanied with only a pitch pipe to get its starting note.
“It’s the human voice that’s producing it (barbershop sound) and that’s what makes it very portable,” says Margaret Lavictoire, the group’s public relations director.
Lavictoire explains the barbershop style is made up of four-part harmony: tenor, melody, baritone and bass.
“When you do it right, you get a huge sound,” she says. “It’s bigger than the four parts that are being sung.”
Boasting a membership of 75 with hopes to expand, the 35-year-old Capital Chordettes is part of Harmony Inc., an international organization of women’s barbershop choruses. The Chordettes is the largest of the organization’s 76 choruses.
The alla cappella group keeps busy, particularly at this time of year, says Lavictoire.
Murray and Lavictoire say their favourite carol to sing is “O Holy Night.” Lavictoire says the group also enjoys performing more modern songs like “Jingle Bell Rock.”
However, the chorus performs mostly traditional Christmas songs, “because that’s what people want to hear,” says Aileen Murray, president of Capital Chordettes.
According to Murray, the motivation behind the group is the same regardless of their musical selection.
“The whole idea is people like to sing,” she says.
Elaine Dunlop, a member of the group since its creation, says she particularly enjoys the appearances the group makes at retirement homes during the holidays and throughout the year.
“It’s quite satisfying to know we’re performing for people who are shut in,” she says.
Dawn Bradbury, activity director for the Grove Nursing Home in Arnprior, says the seniors are really happy to have the Capital Chordettes perform there.
The chorus performs many free shows including those at retirement homes.
It is a non-profit organization that operates on money gained from paid performances, fund-raisers and members.
When the chorus is paid, 10 per cent of the money earned goes to the Ottawa Valley Autistic Homes, says Lavictoire.
She says the group aims to be paid for at least half of its performances.
The Capital Chordettes will be performing at the Cumberland Village Heritage Museum Dec. 13.
The chorus also hopes to appear as part of a national Christmas special on Rogers Community TV.