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History

The Valleyaires are the South Bend - Mishawaka chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), a nonprofit, charitable organization that began in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1938 with just 26 men. Today, the Society has over 34,000 members, in over 800 chapters across the U.S. and Canada - as well as international chapters all over the world. The South Bend-Mishawaka chapter has been part of this tradition for over 50 years, and was once known as the largest chapter in the world!

Barbershop music is a thrill to sing! Nothing can beat the sound of a "barbershop seventh" chord - where four voices can sound like a chorus, and a chorus can sound like thunder! Originating in the "Tin Pan Alley" era at the turn of the century, the old songs still ring true today - and inspire barbershop arrangements of modern music. The Valleyaires are committed to preserving and enjoying this music, by pursuing excellence in vocal and performance skills. We have won the title of "Cardinal District Champions" more than once by putting this philosophy into practice.

Service

Barbershoppers are men who are ready to help where there is a need. Harmony Foundation, Inc., is the BHS charity. Through donations made to the Foundation's general fund, grants are awarded to deserving projects that fulfill the charitable mission, "to preserve our musical legacy through support of vocal music education in our schools and communities." Harmony Explosion camps give high school students and teachers the opportunity to explore harmony with their peers. Barbershoppers donate sizeable amounts of money and time, and numerous performances to local charitable activities in their communities, particularly those which support the charitable mission. The Valleyaires are equally dedicated to service in Michiana. We have helped raise funds for agencies such as Youth Service Bureau, Alcohol and Addictions Resource Center, and St. Margaret's house. We support Bashor Home, A supportive living environment for troubled and emotionally handicapped adolescents in Goshen, IN, serving over 200 young people each year. We're also involved in youth outreach activities in the public schools, and provide good cheer in a number of retirement homes during the holidays.

Mission

The Valleyaires Barbershop Chorus – representing the South Bend–Mishawaka chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society – hereby declares and claims the following as its mission:

The Valleyaires are committed to

  • the basic principles of the BHS., with emphasis on the encouragement of barbershop quartet singing…
  • achieving musical excellence, through hard work, discipline, and professionalism…
  • service to the Michiana community, as well as projects adopted by the Society…
  • passing on their love and appreciation of music to new generations…
  • sharing their enjoyment of barbershop music with the public, and always presenting their best effort to the audience.

The Valleyaires view barbershopping as a great hobby, which provides the opportunity for fun, fellowship and learning.

Join Us!

You're welcome to join us at any time, but you are especially welcome at our upcoming guest nights:
Monday, April 11th
Monday, June 20th

From the generation of the Great Depression, to "Baby Boomers", to "Generation X" - men of all ages and walks of life enjoy barbershopping. The thrill of performing on stage, the challenge of singing in a contest, the satisfaction of ringing a chord with a quartet, or simply the camaraderie of friends getting together - this hobby offers many rewards. Where else can you improve yourself, help your neighbor, and have so much fun doing it?

Sound interesting? Come to one of our rehearsals and find out more. We meet every Monday evening at 7:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 51490 Laurel Road, South Bend (corner of Laurel and Auten, next to the entrance to St. Patrick's Park)


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