The Singing Capital Chorus is a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, an international organization of 700 chapters across the continent who love to sing. We have been entertaining audiences all over the Washington metropolitan area for 80 years. We’ve sung at anniversaries, birthdays and block parties, larger scale events such as local business, town and church functions, and even big industry conventions. Since the Washington Nationals arrived in the Nation’s Capital, we have been privileged to sing the National Anthem at Nationals Stadium annually. Our Christmas caroling, special Singing Valentines and Annual Show are seasonal specialties. We also entertain senior citizens and hospital patients at facilities around the area.

We sing in the vibrant a cappella barbershop style—an original American art form known for its rich four-part harmonies, heartfelt melodies, and infectious energy. Our repertoire has something for everyone: soul-stirring ballads, toe-tapping swing tunes from the ’50s and ’60s, classic show tunes, and of course, timeless barbershop favorites.

We’re passionate about perfecting our craft, working hard to improve while having a blast socializing, quartetting and other fun activities. Every rehearsal is a dynamic mix of focused performance practice, lively tag singing (the catchy ends of songs), and spontaneous quartet moments. Plus, we love the thrill of preparing for and competing at local and regional barbershop conventions.

Quartet singing with the Singing Capital Chorus offers something for everyone—whether you’re looking for casual fun with friends or aiming for championship glory. Our chapter quartets perform privately, entertain at meetings, and showcase their talents at public events.

At rehearsals, it’s common for members to gather informally and sing favorite tunes or songs from our chorus repertoire. Quite often after rehearsal has ended, you will see pick up quartets gathered to sing a song or some tags .

Whether you’re drawn to the intimacy of a quartet, the power of a full chorus, or both, there’s a place for you here. Come sing with us and discover where your voice fits in!

In barbershop harmony singing, we love to hear the chords ring, especially at the end of the song.  That is why a barbershop song usually ends with a short embellished section with enhanced drama, called a “tag.”  We love tags so much, that often we just sing the end of the song by itself! A tag provides a quick and fulfilling way to learn a bit of music that a group of men can sing together.

The roots of barbershop harmony lie in quartet singing, so how best to encourage four men from any chapter to sing together whenever they should meet?  Answer: a common repertoire! 
Barbershop PoleCat songs are classic barbershop standards that are relatively easy to learn and sing, so that Society members can sing with each other at conventions, inter-chapter meetings, or anywhere else.
New members are given a book of Barbershop Polecat Songs as part of their membership package.