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The River City Chorus is a member chorus of The Society for the Preservation and
Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, a society that has been in existence
since April 11, 1938. The River City Chorus was founded on March 18, 1952 and is currently made up of
over 70 members of all ages.
Click here to download a Print-Quality photograph of the chorus (5406x1818)
Purpose: The River City Chorus exists to advance the skills of the individual singer, to provide fellowship and
entertainment to men of all ages, and to promote the pasttime of singing in our community and world. We strive to be
more than "just a bunch of guys who sing" by providing the individual singer with direction and instruction through
our chorus rehearsals and opportunities for small group participation and audience performance. We know the only way to
make our chorus better is to make the individual better, and that is our goal. Our directors are skilled individuals
who care a lot about quality and showmanship and strive to constantly make the chorus better.
Rehearsals: The chorus rehearses every Monday night at the Music Man Square in Mason City, IA from 7:30 to 10pm.
We do warm-ups, singing technique exercises, and work on current repetoire, usually in preparation for a show or contest.
We also have craft sessions to teach about the barbershop style and singing techniques. We hold a business meeting during
each rehearsal to discuss chapter business and a break time for members and guests to socialize, have some snacks, and
catch up. We encourage hanging around after rehearsal to help clean up and sing a few tags or songs with fellow men.
 Performances: The Chorus has two main performances each year: the NIACC Christmas Extravaganza and the annual Spring Show.
Christmas carols and over 150 choir members makes the Christmas show a memorable event. The Spring Show is held at the
NIACC Auditorium and features the chorus, its quartets, and a special guest champion quartet. Three shows and a
casual Afterglow show make a weekend of great fun in the spring.
Contest: As a member chapter of the Central States District, we participate each fall in the annual Fall Contest.
This contest pits choruses and quartets against each other to test their skills in singing and performance. Each chorus
is rated in three categories: Singing, Music, and Performance. Winners are declared and they advance to the International
competition each year. It is a great weekend of fun and fellowship with other barbershoppers in the Midwest and is a great
culmination of hard work and dedication to great singing in the barbershop style.
 Singing Valentines: Each February 14th, quartets of men from the River City Chorus canvass the area and
surprise people with a Singing Valentine. For a small price, you can order a quartet of tuxedo-clad men,
equipped with roses and a box of candy, to arrive at the location of your sweetheart, whether it be at
their workplace, home, or office. We will sing just about anywhere! Imagine the surprise that they will
get when they are serenaded in the sweet harmony of such classics as, "Heart of My Heart".
If you are interested in having a quartet come and visit your loved one this Valentine's Day, please
contact our VP of Programming for more information!
 Church Singouts: Each summer we spread our harmony to area churches in the form of Performances.
These free performances during church services allow us to give something back to the community
as well as celebrate harmony in worship.
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