The story behind Loudoun County's Premier Men's Singing Group
The chorus got its start in 2002 when four Loudoun County gentlemen singers decided that the drive to the Frederick, Maryland Chapter was too time consuming. They applied to the Barbershop Harmony Society for a license – the first step to becoming an independent chapter. While searching for a name for the new chapter, they decided to have it reflect the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad (now a popular hiking/biking trail) which runs through and terminates in Loudoun County. Thus the name became the Chorus of the Old Dominion.
After several years the membership had grown to the 12 members required to apply for a charter. The application was approved and the chapter was officially recognized on July 4th, 2004.
Part of the barbershop experience is the Barbershop Convention. This is an opportunity to sing, listen to others sing, as well as to meet and greet fellow barbershoppers. In addition, there is a singing competition where each chorus is scored by a panel of highly qualified judges as well as receiving coaching session after the competition by three of the judges.
Having not competed for seven years, in 2013 we competed at the Southern Division Convention (Choruses in Virginia, Washington D.C, and part of Maryland) and came in 4th out of 13 choruses. A member of the audience was heard to say “Wow! Where did they come from!” The following year, we came in second and were awarded the title of Most Improved Chorus.
In 2016, the chorus decided to change its name to Old Dominion Chorus. The new name retained the connection to the Washington & Old Dominion railroad but reflected a more modest representation of ourselves.
Since its inception, the chorus has participated in a variety of singing opportunities. They include performances at fairs and festivals, retirement communities, Leesburg’s First Friday, Singing Valentines, parties and celebrations, to name a few. In addition, we currently put on an annual show featuring the chorus and several local High School a cappella groups as well as an annual Holiday show.
