What is it about men's voices raised together in song that gives us such a thrill?

From the Barbershop Quartets of the early 20th century to the Oak Ridge Boys, to today's phenomenal Three Tenors, audiences have a fascination for the beauty of male voices singing together.

It is a mystery how voices that are so strong, can rock us to sleep so gently, caress us like the wind, or move us to tears by the sheer beauty of this collective sound.

But what is "barbershop"? Barbershop is a chorus that sings a capella (without accompaniment) in a barbershop style. In Barbershop Harmony, the chorus itself is the "star" performer, with few soloists. Choruses may have as few as 12, or as many as 150 members, and unlike a quartet, the chorus need not have equal numbers to sing each part.

Many people have wondered if barbershop harmony was actually sung in barbershops? It certainly was!! It was also sung on street corners (it was sometimes called "curbstone" harmony) and at social functions and in parlors. Its roots are not just the white, Middle-America that is depicted in Norman Rockwell's famous painting. This beautiful artwork first appeared on a 1936 Saturday Evening Post cover, the scene depicts four men, one with lather on his face, warbling a sentimental ballad: the quintessential barbershop quartet.

Barbershop quartets often are characterized as four dandies, perhaps bedecked with straw hats, striped vests and handlebar mustaches. These caricatures of the barbershop tradition are not only a quaint symbol of small-town Americana, but have some historical foundation. Barbershop music was indeed borne out of informal gatherings of amateur singers in such unpretentious settings as the local barbershop.

Barbershops were a "melting pot" product brought to us from many countries including Africa, Scotland, and the many immigrants to the new world, who brought with them a musical repertoire that included hymns, psalms, and folk songs. These simple songs were often sung in four parts with the melody set in the second-lowest voice. Minstrel shows of the mid- 1800s were eventually replaced by the equally popular vaudeville shows, where the tradition of close-harmony quartets remained.

Over the years these quartets have grown into large choirs of both men and women, who enjoy sharing their love of music. Some all-female groups call themselves "beauty shop quartets" as a tonguein cheek dig at the traditional barbershop quartet. Our own Sweet Adelines have entertained our communities for years now.

In Newmarket, there is an acclaimed group of over 50 men known as "The Upper Canada Chordsmen" who have been singing in the Barbershop style for over 15 years now. Under the direction of Carol Appleton, this choir has gained a reputation for delivering concerts that raise their audience up, inspiring all those who hear them.

The Chordsmen have long been known for their generosity. Every year they sing to raise money for various charities and community groups. Over the years they have raised over $35,000.00 for Harmonize For Speech, proclaiming "we sing so that they shall speak". Each year they participate in the "Singing For Life" blood drive.

Their passion for their music is infectious but even more so, their passion for giving back to their local communities is inspiring.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Upper Canada Chordsmen will perform two special concerts, Magic Moments, at Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church in Orangeville at 2:30 and 7 p.m. These concerts are a fundraiser for Community Living Dufferin and Theatre Orangeville's Building Dreams Together Campaign. Community Living is an organization that aids people with intellectual disabilities, enabling them to live full lives and be integrated into the community that they live in.

Two members of The Chordsmen are also members of Community Living Dufferin, in fact, one of them is a Community Living client, whose passion and love of music is truly inspiring.

"We are thrilled to be a part of "Building Dreams Together," says Ms. Appleton, the only female in the group. "We have gained a reputation for performances that lift our audiences up and inspire them, and we love sharing our music with audiences of all ages."

Orangeville audiences are in for a treat as The Chordsmen sing all of your favourite songs in beautiful barbershop harmony, including I'll Fly Away, Down By The Old Mill Stream, Lida Rose, The Impossible Dream, and Memory (from Cats). Special guests at this concert will include the Community Living Dufferin's Choir, "Joyful Voices" and the Theatre Orangeville Youth Singers (T.O.Y.S.).

Tickets are only $20 for the matinee and $25 for the evening performance. For tickets call the Theatre Orangeville Box Office at 519-942-3423.