About Village Vocal Chords

The VVC membership is comprised of women from many different backgrounds and professions. Most are not formally trained in voice, but we all adore barbershop's "ringing chord", each other's company, and the goal of working toward our musical improvement.  Most of all, VVC members are proud to be barbershoppers in Harmony, Inc., and to work toward the betterment of our hobby, to promote harmony with all. While rehearsals are held in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the chorus attracts women from many Chicagoland suburbs and beyond.

The VVCs offer its members many opportunities for personal growth in the barbershop world of Harmony, Inc. Over the years this has resulted in many quartets who competed on the International contest stage, bringing home numerous medals, including twelve International Quartet Championships. Some members have served on the International Board of our organization, including three who rose to serve as International President of Harmony, Inc. In our ranks are also Harmony, Inc. Certified Judges in the areas of Music and Singing, plus a Certified Chairman of Judges.

In the 50+ years of its existence, the VVC has had only four directors: G. Ruth Geils, who retired in 1976; Jay Giallombardo from 1980-1983, and Jeanne O'Connor from 1976-1979 and 1983 to 2019, and Lynn Randall from 2020 to present. Under the tutelage of these capable people, VVC has competed in 30 international contests, achieving one 4^th place medal, three 3rd place medals, seven 2nd place medals and 20 International Championships in 1976, '79, '81, '83, '85, '87, '89, '91, '93, '95, '97, '99, '01,  '03, '05, '07, '09, '11, '13 and '15. (Once a chorus wins the championship, they are not allowed to compete the following year.) While the annual international contest has become a major focus over the years, the top priority has always been to achieve excellence in performance, whether it is on a contest stage, entertaining people at a community event, or performing at a retirement center. The chorus does this through both paid and charitable performances during which we try to show that the Village Vocal Chords are passionate about music, performance, community and fun.