Under the direction of Master Director, Martha DeClerq, York Harmony Chorus has been a staple in the Newmarket community for over 50 years.
York Harmony Chorus is a unique group of singers who are devoted to women’s empowerment through education, friendship, and a cappella singing in the barbershop style.
Chartered in 1970, YHC is one of over 750 choruses that are proud members of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering voices to joyfully harmonize the world.
Unlike traditional a cappella music which is simply characterized by a lack of musical accompaniment, the barbershop style of singing combines the a cappella basics with a specific chord structure that, when sung correctly, results in the creation of additional notes known as overtones.
If you have ever been to one of our concerts and have found the hairs on your arm begin to stand up, that’s a telltale sign that overtones are being created and that’s the goal of our entire craft – to create a full-body, harmonic experience for our audience.
York Harmony Chorus meets weekly at the Sharon-Hope United Church to rehearse and perfect their craft and they compete once a year in their annual regional competition in St. Catharines, Ontario. In 2023, YHC is thrilled to have won two medals and are proud to be the Region 16 AA Division champions which qualified them for a spot in the 2024 International competition in Kansas City.
York Harmony Chorus is always open to new members and encourages anyone who wants to try out this style of singing to reach out and connect.
