Albemarle Sounds Barbershop Chorus

The Albemarle Sounds, Edenton’s Barbershop Singers, held its first meeting in the fall of 1991 with about 18 men present. Over the years the membership has held pretty constant in numbers, 18 to 20, while over 50 men have been involved with the group during this time. The chorus performs over 15 times each year while its quartets sing an equal number of engagements. In recent years these performances have ranged over eight surrounding counties, bringing barbershop harmony to thousands of people. In 1995 we were chartered as the Edenton Chapter (Dixie District) of the Society for the Preservation And Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America. (SPEBSQSA)

The delivery of Singing Valentines was started in 1998 when 28 were delivered in Chowan County. That number has grown to 60 to 70 delivered in Elizabeth City and Perquimans County as well as in Chowan County. The proceeds from this program totaling a little over $22,000 in the past 16 years, has been given to the vocal music programs in the local schools. In addition to the proceeds from Singing Valentines, in 1998 a $500 scholarship was initiated which is available annually to a student majoring in vocal music. Annual appearances to sing the national anthem at high school football games and local baseball league games in addition to carols sung on the courthouse green and at the Christmas Parade have made The Sounds the best known singing group in the area. The chapter shows, which have included guest chapter choruses and quartets in addition to The Sounds and its quartets, have entertained hundreds at each performance. If you are a male that loves to sing and would like to help us “Keep The Whole World Singing” while having a wonderful time making harmony, join us any Thursday night at 7:30 at the First Presbyterian Church for an evening of singing and fun.