Swoon-worthy songs deliver an unforgettable message.
“A woman is taken back when four guys show up in tuxedos carrying roses, chocolates and a Valentine’s Day card. All of a sudden, a whole crowd of people gathers and she is beaming - until we start singing, and then she starts to cry,” said Jerry Crouth.
This is the 25th year that Racing City Chorus quartets have been delivering singing Valentines all over the region. Many times, Crouth has gone out to sing, but he prefers to help organize the deliveries instead.
“It just blows people away. I can’t look when she starts to cry. It makes it hard to sing because it chokes her right up,” he said, choking up a bit himself.
Affection Acapella-Style
“After Valentine’s Day, we all share our stand-out stories from the day. There’s fun, laughter – all kinds of things happen. Every delivery is different,” said Crouth.
Racing City Chorus began singing patriotic ballads, holiday and upbeat music 63 years ago. Today, their 35 active members sing in approximately 40 performances each year, including at Saratoga’s First Night Celebration and at the Saratoga Race Course.
They began delivering singing telegrams as a way to get beautiful music out to as many people as possible. Sent by both men and women, the Racing City Chorus delivers more than 100 of these unique musical gifts each year.
“Most people are so much in awe because it’s such a neat thing and an experience, for everyone,” he said.
Through the years, they’ve seen engagements; babies grow into teenagers, and persisted through winter storms. Before cell phones, they used walkie-talkies or stopped at a phone booth to find out where they would be visiting next. They’ve even delivered singing Valentines over the phone.
Warm Wishes a New Way
This year, Racing City Chorus quartets will be offering to deliver their love songs in a new way – online.
“We want to make sure what we do and give is a little more than what we’ve given in the past,” said Crouth.
Like with the in-person deliveries, a quartet sings two love songs in perfect 4-part harmony. The sender chooses among a selection of five songs, which include barbershop favorites “Let me call you Sweetheart” and “I love you, truly,” among others. Then, your special video selection will be sent by email for your loved one to enjoy.
The chocolates are getting an upgrade this year, as well. New sponsor, Wilton Target, is offering larger sizes of Russell Stover chocolates; the sampler size now contains 3 pieces, and the deluxe size (which used to be a pound of chocolate) is now 18 ounces.
Racing City Chorus donates 20 percent of their performances on February 13 and 14. A portion of their proceeds sponsors a high school student to attend Harmony Explosion A Cappella Camp.
“It’s a wonderful way of keeping this music alive,” said Crouth.
For more information on in-person and online singing Valentines, find them on Facebook at RacingCityChorus or visit racingcitychorus.org.
