The Chanticleer’s Chorus were started 1993 when Don Ellis, from Illinois, missed singing Barbershop and wanted to have a Barbershop Chorus in Hot Springs Village.  He contacted a friend who said “find me some men who want to sing, and I’ll direct” Don did, and the rest is history.  The original director, Tom McCracken, passed away December 6, 2006 and Roger York, the Assistant Director, took over as Director. The next spring, new Villagers, Nancy and Russ Foris. long-time Barbershop singers, coaches and directors, took over directing the chorus.  Both retired the middle of August, 2011.  On August 25th the Board of Directors appointed Roger York as the Chanticleers new director.  The chorus has continued to grow both in recognition and accomplishments. Although not affilliated with the Barbershop Harmony Society, several members are current or past members of the society including international judges and gold medal winners.

WHAT IS BARBERSHOP SINGING? It’s a capella (no instruments), close 4-part harmony with the melody in the second voice part. The voices are (from the top) tenor, lead, baritone, and bass. Songs range from the treasured gems from the early part of the 20th century, up through modern tunes. The style we know as barbershop became popular in the late 1800s as traveling minstrel and vaudeville shows featured singing groups. Minstrel shows often featured barbershop quartets who sang in front of the curtain while performers and stagehands prepared for the next act.  The establishment of amateur singing organizations for both men and women guaranteed that this unique American art form would not be forgotten.

Senior Addition Quartet: Left to Right:  Dean Kerr, Baritone; Jim Moore, Bass; RogerYork, Lead;  Ned Schoenrock, Tenor