You are invited to come to any of our rehearsals and check us out. We meet Tuesdays, 7:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church at 1 Symphony Circle in Buffalo, NY (across from Kleinhans Music Hall).
If you have any general questions about the chorus call us at (716) 389-1820.
What’s the typical profile of a Friends of Harmony or Barbershop singer?
We maintain an enjoyable and supportive atmosphere, well suited for people of all backgrounds and singing ability.
Our members provide a strong talent base enabling an active performance schedule and a successful competition status within our Society.
We hail primarily from the City of Buffalo and its suburbs and perform all over Western New York. We consist of male and female singers of all ages with varied starting musical abilities. We’ve had high school singers and we’ve also celebrated the 100th birthday of a retired member or two! We come from all walks of life – students, plumbers, opticians, management consultants, IT professionals, lawyers, teachers, and retired folks – all just folks who enjoy singing in harmony.
Is there an audition process?
The Friends of Harmony invite any interested person to come listen to a rehearsal or sing with us as they choose. It’s a low-pressure invitation. We provide the music and instruction. When a prospective member feels ready (each person decides for themself how long they need – it could be weeks, it could be months), they can inform the Director and do their audition for official membership within the Barbershop Harmony Society and within the group. This is one of the few requirements to be able to compete in the District and International competition. And audition is comprised of singing a few standard songs in the Barbershop style with the section leaders from the other voice parts.
What motivated you to sing with the Friends of Harmony?
These days many people are looking for connection and social outlets. Taking part in a shared activity or volunteering is a great way to meet people. Many people used to sing in their school chorus or sing in their church. Some have been encouraged by their significant other to enjoy a hobby in retirement!
What types of events does the Friends of Harmony participate in?
Through our focus on the Barbershop style of a cappella chorus and quartet singing, we provide educational, musical, charitable, and administrative opportunities to our membership.
We have a variety of events throughout the year:
We perform, such as our annual Holiday show and Spring show – this year’s Spring show (May 2025) was a focus on Irish music.
We participate in competitions in the Seneca Land District as part of the Barbershop Harmony Society formerly a difficult acronym (SPEBSQSA), typically twice a year. In our most recent competition (Fall of 2024), the Friends of Harmony came in 1st place as a Mixed Chorus and 2nd place overall, which we’re very proud of. We also perform in local events such as various Porchfest events throughout greater Buffalo.
We volunteer and visit senior centers and Hospitals for Christmas caroling, we’ve participated in a telethon for WNED,
We do social outreach with the community – Musical Memories Cafe, Cancer Survivors Celebration, Food 2 Families / donated to Feed More New York, free concerts in various local parks, strolling quartets for many festivals and parades, such as various Memorial Day parades and the St. Patrick’s Day parade. We performed in Music is Art.
We also support patriotic events, such as to honor fallen Submariners during the Tolling of the Boats or Veterans events. We were again selected to sing the American and Canadian National anthems at Sahlen’s field for the Bisons game on June 29th.
Last, but not least, we do social events. For example, we rent out the Channel 2 catamaran every summer for a fun sunset sail and sing with friends and family. We’ve hosted friendly golf outings, and participate in musical events such as Brigades, and other fun activities.
Where can we hear the Friends of Harmony next?
Check out our website or our facebook page for the latest in upcoming events. We always have at least 4-8 events in the pipeline!
Our “pitch”!
If you like to sing, or know someone who wants a group to sing with? Are you itching to get out of the house or to get your loved one out of the house? We are open to all - men and women of all ages - join us Tuesday nights for rehearsals 7:30-9:30 in Buffalo at 1 Symphony Circle in the Presbyterian Church across from Kleinhans.
Visit us on Facebook or at FriendsOfHarmony.com for upcoming performances. You can also book the chorus or a quartet to perform at special occasions, such as on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day / Father’s Day, an anniversary or a milestone birthday.
