courtesy photo
The Barre-Tones acapella chorus that sings in the barbershop style, scored high and received two awards in area competition in Framingham, Mass., on April 11. Members of the chorus in this 2023 area competition photo included back row (left to right) Janet Whitlock, Amy Donald, Carolynn O’Donnell, Susan Klein and Carole Furr; third row, Kathryn Oliver, Sylvia Beck, Suzan Doucette and Amy Tatko; second row, Theresa White, Peggy Gates, Diane Benoit, Lynn McKinney and Lisa Parro; front row, Sandy Atkins, Julia Morgan, Valerie Montanus, Tracey Coutts and director Carol Hollenbeck.
MONTPELIER – A Vermont acappella chorus, the Barre-Tones, including Janet Whitlock, Lynn McKinney and Sandy Atkins from Cabot, and Judy Dix from Plainfield, scored high and won two awards in area competition on April 11, at Framingham. Mass.
The chorus, singing in the barbershop style, was one of 11 choruses competing in Area 2 competition of Harmony Inc., an international organization of women barbershop chapters. The Barre-Tones placed fifth and received recognition as a chapter member of the organization for 55 years.
Other awards at the competition recognized the Barre-Tones as the highest-scoring small chorus (under 25 singers on stage) and the Rising Star Award, as the chorus with the most improved score since the last competition. The chorus also attained a score that qualifies them to sing in international competition in Lousiville, Ky., in November.
The 11 choruses in Area 2 of Harmony Inc. come from Maine, Quebec, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Barre-Tones represent Vermont.
Choruses are scored in three areas: performance, musicality and singing, by two judges in each category. The Barre-Tones improved their score by 57 points over last year’s competition to earn the award. Judges for the contest came from Boston, Texas, Arizona, New York, Oregon, Michigan and Nova Scotia.
The chorus rehearses Mondays, at the Capital City Grange. For more information about the group, see barretonesvt.com or harmonyinc.org.
