Rochester Rhapsody

Founded in 1996, Rochester Rhapsody is best known for its remarkable style of “telling a story” through its performances, using unique character packages to captivate the audience. Over the years, the chorus has portrayed lady pirates, monsters and villains, and town folks at a wedding.

Rochester Rhapsody became an official chapter of Harmony, Inc, an international, non-profit, educational and singing organization for women, in March, 1997. In May that same year, Rochester Rhapsody entered its first chorus competition, and qualified to compete at the International Convention and Contest for women barbershop singers, in Hamilton, ON.

In 1999, the chorus also won the Ladies Association of British Barbershoppers (LABBS) Trophy for outstanding presentation on the international stage. Since then, the chorus has competed at both area and international events, hosted several annual shows, and performed at a variety of venues including on the shores of Lake Ontario, at “Barbershop on the Beach.”

Today, the chorus is composed of 20 women from towns throughout and surrounding Monroe County. The chorus’ mission is to continually strive to attain excellence in both a cappella singing and in performance. Harmony, Inc.’s purposes are: to educate its members in the art of singing four-part, unaccompanied harmony, in the barbershop style; to organize and maintain choruses and quartets; to give public and private performances; to sponsor contests; and to promote friendship among all women.

In keeping with the Harmony, Inc. motto, “A Blend with Friendship,” Rochester Rhapsody supports music education as its major service project, contributing 10% of all chapter funds raised toward this cause. Rochester Rhapsody is also active in the community and is available to perform for a variety of audiences, including church groups, social clubs or organizations, businesses, and for organized fundraising events.

Sue Melvin joined as Rochester Rhapsody's new director in 2007. Sue is a second-generation Barbershop Singer, who has been in barbershop choruses and quartets most of her life. She has competed in many award-winning quartets, in all 4 barbershop parts, and has been a director for over 17 years. She is a member of Harmony, Inc. and Sweet Adelines International.

Rochester Rhapsody also has several chapter quartets including FUSION, Vocal Ease, Grace Notes & Up Ta' No Good.

Rochester Rhapsody is always interested in expanding its membership. We rehearse Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m., at Harmony House, 58 East Main Street, in Webster, NY. For information about becoming a member or about performances please contact Janine Schindler at (585) 865-2731 or by email: info@rochesterrhapsody.com

President -- Carol Wander and Kathy Dickson president@rochesterrhapsody.com
Director -- Sue Melvin
Program VP -- Sue Vorrasi
Membership VP -- Susan Berardi and Gail Boorum
Music VP -- Ro Farley
Secretary -- Peg Williams
Members at Large -- Janine Schindler, Ruth Olschewske, Sharron Gilbert
Immediate Past President -- Michelle Buckenmeyer
Parliamentarian -- Michelle Buckenmeyer
Executive Treasurer -- Karen Nichols