The Chorus of the Genesee is a non-profit, educational organization devoted to preserving the original American art form of Barbershop Harmony. The Chorus rehearses in Webster, New York, but performs all over Rochester. A portion of our proceeds support both local and national service projects.
The Chorus of the Genesee is a part of the Rochester Chapter of SPEBSQSA, Inc, the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America. We sing four part a cappella music, specializing in an original American art form called barbershop harmony. Our membership comes from Rochester and many surrounding communities.
In addition to our annual show in May, we provide entertainment at music festivals, private functions, area nursing homes, senior centers, and museums. The Chorus travels all over the United States and Canada, and even made a trip to Ireland in 2000. We are a championship chorus that has represented Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania in international competition more than twenty-five times, including the 2001 contest in Nashville, the 2002 contest in Portland, Oregon, and the 2003 contest in Montreal.
The Chorus is a charitable organization that supports the national Harmony Foundation and Rochester's own Al Sigl Center. We encourage music education in area schools through the Young Men In Harmony program and provide music scholarships to graduating seniors at Webster High Schools.