The Barbershop Harmony Society has adopted an “Everyone in Harmony” policy which now includes Women. The Harbor City Harmonizers, agreeing with the policy, have opened the door and we are now welcoming women of all ages to come and sing with us. This means that not only women, but families can enjoy the thrill of singing together in one place, performing together and even competing together as an integral part of the Harmonizers.
Now, the Harmonizers welcome “Everyone” and the voice parts include tenor, lead, baritone and bass. We will be using the existing male barbershop arrangements. Women are encouraged to sing either tenor or lead (usually the melody) parts.
WHO ARE THE HARMONIZERS?
The Harbor City Harmonizers is an a cappella chorus, performing music in the barbershop style; entertaining audiences in Melbourne and Brevard County since 1989. The Harbor City Harmonizers is the performing chorus of the Melbourne Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet singing in America.
We are an enthusiastic group of singers with a wide variety of backgrounds who are consistently striving to improve our singing and vocal techniques which improves our overall performance. Vocal instruction and learning of music theory is part of every rehearsal.
OUR DIRECTOR
Justin Walker is a conductor, composer, and educator residing in Rockledge, FL. Justin earned his Master of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Music Performance in Voice from the University of North Florida. An accomplished director with a passion for harnessing the harmonious blend of voices in barbershop choruses. With a diverse musical background and a keen ear for vocal arrangements, he has honed his skills in directing through years of dedicated practice and education. Justin’s journey into directing began early, sparked by his love for vocal music and the transformative power of harmonies. He pursued this passion by studying music theory and choral conducting, cultivating a deep understanding of the nuances of barbershop harmony. His leadership style is characterized by a blend of precision and creativity, guiding his ensembles to reach new heights in musicality and performance. Justin’s commitment to excellence is evident in every rehearsal and performance, where his enthusiasm and expertise inspire his chorus members to achieve their full potential, creating unforgettable musical experiences under his direction. Currently, he serves as music director at Pineda Presbyterian Church, where he leads both the Chancel Choir and Worship Band as well as being the conductor and artistic director of the Brevard Chorale at Eastern Florida State College Cocoa.
WHAT WE DO!
The Harbor City Harmonizers has been promoting and encouraging vocal harmony and good fellowship among its members for over 30 years. We actively educate our members and the public in the appreciation of barbershop music. We initiate, promote and participate in charitable projects that educate the youth of Brevard County to sing music in the Barbershop style.
REHEARSALS/CHAPTER MEETINGS/WHAT TO EXPECT
We welcome visitors and encourage those that are curious about who we are, what we do and what is barbershop a cappella harmony, to come and check us out. Our rehearsals begin with vocal and physical warm-ups, yes, physical. No, not push-ups or anything real strenuous, just enough to get our bodies, lungs and vocal chords working.
We have a rather large repertoire of songs we sing and are continually working to improve them as well as continuing to learn new songs. We have all the music we sing in Guest books for our visitors.
Our activities are numerous. We like to perform, compete, encourage quartet singing, have an active youth outreach program and have wonderful educational opportunities and experiences.
You may be asked to sing a portion of a familiar song, like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” to place your voice in the proper part. If you already know what part you sing, then an audition will not be required.
PERFORMANCES
The Harmonizers have performed for all sorts of functions since 1989. These functions include Special Birthdays, Anniversaries, Retirement parties, Valentines, Christmas Parties, Health Care Facilities, special business or Organization functions, you name it, we can do it. We are available for most any group. Just contact us and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Singing Valentines is among our most popular performances for quartets and on occasion the chorus. We send out quartets to sing two love songs to a special person and with the songs is a red rose, a box of candy and a greeting card, all for a small fee. If you are a singer, yes, a Harmonizer, you too can be delivering these singing valentines. It’s a real fun thing to do, a blast.