MEET THE CHORUS
History tells us that barbershop became popular at the end of the nineteenth century. With its four-part
harmonies and ringing chords, it suited the sweet melodies and sentimental songs of the time. Men were
first to take up the art, yet the melodies and lyrics also suited the female voice. The costumes and
staging made it irresistible, so in 1945 the Sweet Adelines were born. Almost 30 years ago, in 1974,
the Gainesville chapter was chartered, and affiliated with Sweet Adelines International. This past
year we changed our name to the Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus.
The chorus sings a wide variety of musical styles, including traditional melodies, rock, pop, Broadway,
jazz and blues. The music is memorized and performed acappella. This allows us to sing with great
expression and to include choreography. With the distinctive sound of four-part close harmony, we
perform throughout the year at festivals, fairs, retirement communities, hospitals, nursing homes
and business functions.
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Twice a year and at Christmas, we present a concert performance. Both the chorus and the quartets also
participate in a regional competition representing most of Florida. We have won “best small chorus”
nine times in 15 years and have been consistently rated among the top choruses in Region 9. Sweet
Adelines International has over 600 member choruses around the world. In 1999 the Gainesville Harmony
Show Chorus was selected as one of the top five small choruses in the international organization and
invited to participate in the first Small Chorus Competition held in San Antonio, Texas.
The Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus enhances the cultural arts of the community with the sound of
four-part barbershop harmony and a continued commitment to pass on this uniquely American folk art.
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