Harbor Sounds Chorus

Harbor Sounds is a mixed barbershop chorus singing four-part a cappella music throughout Michigan's Tri-City area. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that strives to spread the joy of singing around Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, and the surrounding region. We're not just a choir; we're a community that celebrates the universal language of music and its incredible ability to touch hearts, uplift spirits, and unite people. It's a rewarding experience watching our audience's eyes light up when we sing recognizable songs on our shows,  love ballads for Valentines, or "the good old songs" at retirement centers. We know that the world is a better place when we're all singing together and we invite you to join us in sharing the joy of music with the people in our community. Come check us out and experience the transformative power of music and the joy of harmonizing voices! 

Do you like to sing but you're not sure if your voice is "good enough"? Believe it or not, singing is more of a learned skill than a natural talent! Our singers have diverse singing backgrounds and we strive to incorporate music theory and vocal pedagogy in each of our rehearsals, as well as bring in external coaches to augment our education. You don't have to be a barbershopper to be a good singer, but you will become a better singer by singing barbershop. If you're looking for vocal lessons, Harbor Sounds is the place for you! 

Harbor Sounds provides several unique opportunities for vocalists that cannot be found in other choral ensembles within the  Great Lakes Bay Region. There are many choirs near us in Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, and the surrounding area, but we have differentiated ourselves by:

• Focusing on life-long learning. You're never too old or experienced to learn new tricks. We spend a portion of each rehearsal on music and vocal education. We also frequently bring in world-class coaching through the Barbershop Harmony Society to help our chorus and our members grow.

• Being a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We're part of the largest musical organization in the world and our choir members have access to significant musical resources and social networks.

• Singing modern, contemporary music in the English language. Choral repertoire is more fun to sing and listen to when both the singers and audiences recognize the song.

• Emphasizing musical expression. Choruses are similar to show choirs and musical theater where the expression and emotional impact we provide to the audience during our performances is just as important as the choral harmonies. 

• Requiring that all of our choir music is a cappella. This places a special emphasis on perfect intonation and musical expression from the chorus.

• Encouraging quartets. The chorus serves as an ideal environment to meet other motivated singers in the Tri-City Area, in Michigan, and around the world so you can form small ensembles. These quartets can compete, benefit from coaching, and sing on our shows!

• Giving singers a voice in the choir. Our monthly board meetings are open to all members and annual board member elections allow members to steer the direction of the chorus and make their voices heard. 

• Being excellent to each other. You won't find a friendlier group of people and the choir often meets up after each rehearsal to grab a drink and sing some old songs.

Why support Harbor Sounds:

By supporting Harbor Sounds, you're not just endorsing a musical group; you're investing in the cultural and communal fabric of our society. Here's why your support matters:

• Enriching the Community: Your support allows us to host performances, workshops, and outreach programs that enrich the lives of both our singers and the community at large.

• Educational Initiatives: We aim to inspire the next generation of musicians. Your support helps us fund educational programs like music camps, coaching,  and scholarships for both young and old aspiring vocalists.

• Preserving the Arts: By supporting our choir, you're contributing to the preservation of a timeless American art form and ensuring that music continues to thrive within our community.

There are three primary ways you can get involved to help support our mission of bringing people together in harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through singing: 

• Join Us: Volunteer your time and see what all the buzz is about! We meet  7 pm - 9 pm on Wednesdays at Bay City Western High School, 500 W Midland Rd. in Auburn, MI 48611.

• Gigs: Let us know if you have a performance opportunity! Harbor Sounds Chorus loves to perform and entertain both public and private events.

• Donate: Support our non-profit with a financial contribution! These funds allow us to bring in coaches, sponsor music scholarships, and keep the whole world singing.