Long Island, NY - January 13th, 2014 - No, it's not as common as sending cards, chocolates or flowers. But that 's the very point. Singing Valentines, annually offered by tuxedoed quartets associated with the Barbershop Harmony Society, not only continue to reflect special thoughtfulness and the answer to doing “something a bit different" for that particular someone, but they are just about guaranteed to produce a tug at the heart, a blush, or both.
In Nassau County and Western Suffolk, it's the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Harmony Society that will be sending out talented foursomes on Valentine’s Day, February 14 (a Friday this year) as well as on Wednesday, the 12th and Thursday, the 13th. Two tender love songs in four-part harmony will be sung by barbershop quartets attired in tuxes and red bow ties when they arrive unannounced at workplaces, homes, schools, dining locations, care facilities and other requested locations. A silk rose and card will also be given on behalf of the senders as part of the presentations. Cost for the advance arrangements are $60, made by phoning 516-521-8462.
"Aside from registering complete surprise and delight," the recipients are so touched that they generally remain completely speechless until our foursomes are about to leave," notes Joel Fairman, the Chapter's Singing Valentines chairman for 2014. "Then they are quick to say something concerning the uniqueness of it all and about the person that was so romantically inclined."
The local Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is part of an organization numbering approximately 22,000 members, and one of over 800 such chapters in the US and Canada.
Under the direction of Maurice Debar, its Long Island Harmonizers chorus rehearses Tuesday evenings at Winthrop Hall, Church of the Advent, 555 Advent Street, in Westbury at 8 pm, and welcomes those interested in joining, throughout the year. The organization's website is www.longislandharmonizers.org.
