The Northland Barbershop Chorus is the Sault Ste. Marie Chapter of The Barbershop Harmony Society, an international men’s singing organization that spans not only North America, but much of the world. Through the years, the chorus and its many quartets have been the local ambassadors of barbershop harmony since first receiving their charter from the Society in 1961.

The Chorus actually began in 1959 when four local men met to sing four part harmony using the voicing and style of the traditional barbershop quartet. These men, (Harry Shardlow, Frank Elliott, Ted Spry and Len Klyne) could hardly have imagined the seeds they planted would give rise to today’s chorus, now approaching it’s 50^th year. In that time, hundreds of men have enjoyed the thrill of a cappella singing, while entertaining many thousands of Sault and area residents.

By 1961, the group had expanded to 26 members and received their official charter to become the Sault Chapter of SPEBSQSA - The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. – now The Barbershop Harmony Society. Their first public show was in 1962 and a major show has been presented annually since. For many years, a portion of annual show proceeds has been donated to the Speech and Language Dept. of the Sault Area Hospitals in support of a variety of speech therapy programs. Their motto: We Sing ...That They Shall Speak. Today 800+ chapters serve 32,000+ members across North America.

In addition to their annual show, the Northland Chorus and its quartets regularly sing at a variety of local venues. These include hymns at church services, carols in the malls or Hospitals, programs at senior’s homes, service clubs or civic events. Depending on the venue, a fee may apply. To contact the Northland Chorus, call Chorus Manager Al Toivonen at 705-949-7267 or Chorus Director Bob Shami at 705-253-9574. For smaller functions, a quartet may be more appropriate. For GOOD INTENTIONS, a male barbershop quartet, call Sean McMurray at 705-256-5759. For RELATIVE HARMONY, a mixed voice (2 men & 2 women) barbershop quartet, call Don Bazely at 705-759-8958.

The chorus membership stands at 40 men. All men who love to sing are always welcome to drop in to a Chapter meeting. The Chapter meets every Monday evening throughout the school year from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Hall at 670 John Street. The ability to read music, while an asset, is not mandatory. They will teach you. The only requirements are the ability and desire to sing.