Racing City chorus BARBERSHOP HITS THE STREETS

The thrilling sound of synchronicity never gets old.

For more than a decade, on special Thursday evenings in July and August, one of the finest traditions in choral music rings out from the streets of Saratoga Springs.

Each summer, the Racing City Chorus strolls the sidewalks of downtown providing free a cappella entertainment for all.

“It’s amazing because, with all the tourists around, we invariably bump into one or two guys who are in a barbershop chorus in another part of the country and they always stop to sing a song or two with us,” said John Senecal, Racing City Chorus Vice President of Marketing. Street performances are followed by an “afterglow” at select restaurants.

Not The Same Old Song And Dance

Racing City Chorus celebrates summertime holidays with Harmony on Parade appearances. Barbershop, a style of music that originated in the United States, and songs such as the Armed Forces Medley, which add a distinctively patriotic flare to parades marching through the region.

“On the parade route, seeing all the people lining the streets, and those who salute our float and flags- it’s very meaningful to us. Our songs are meaningful to so many people in so many different ways and it’s a learning moment for their children,” said Senecal.

The group is comprised of approximately 30 active members, ranging in age from 20s to 90s. Some have been with Racing City Chorus almost since its inception in 1956, when harmonizing to the music of the old crooners like Frank Sinatra was the newest sensation. While the chorus still sings these classics, the barbershop repertoire includes enduring favorites such as My Wild Irish Rose and Heart of My Heart, as well as music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

“We love to get out in front of groups of people, that’s the most satisfying thing,” he said. “Our goal is to express ourselves. We always try to sell the songs to our audience and make them feel the music.”

An Experience That Strikes The Right Chord

In addition to a full chorus and quartets, Racing City Chorus is comprised of VLQs (Very Large Quartets of more than four singers) adding variety to performances and enabling nonquartet singers the support of being within a larger group.

“You don’t have to be an expert to join,” emphasizes Senecal. Every rehearsal is open to the public and a chance to partake in the brotherhood and bonding of an all-male chorus. They perform Singing Valentines and between 20 to 25 gigs per year for civic organizations, private groups, senior centers, schools, churches, and fundraisers. Under the direction of Gary Glidden, Racing City Chorus was the 2023 Northeast District of the Barbershop Harmony Society Mountain Division champions and will be attending the Northeast District competition in October.

For more information about joining, music, scheduling, and upcoming appearances, go to racingcitychorus.org, find them on Facebook at Racing City Chorus Saratoga, or call 518-504-SING(7464).

SS