ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- After a successful winter season, Crystal Chords Women's A Cappella Chorus is back and ready to welcome some new members.

Currently comprised of about 35 members, Crystal Chords is an all-female a cappella chorus that specializes in the barbershop style of singing. Director Chris Dunbar explained how the group's "a cappella" trademark differentiates itself from other performance groups in the Twin Tiers.

"What makes us different from other choral groups is that we sing everything a cappella," she said. "So, no piano accompaniment; no musical accompaniment of any type. The chords are really close, and you can really feel those harmonies."

Another aspect of Crystal Chords that is slightly different from other local performance groups is that it is comprised of seven quartets, one of them being the "Mach 4" quartet. Comprised of Dunbar (Tenor), Becky LaBella (Lead), Brooke Robinson (Baritone) and Michelle Dunne (Bass), the quartet has become a little family.

"We've been singing together for quite a few years now," Dunbar said. "We have a mother-daughter [duo], Brooke and Becky, and Michelle and I are adopted daughters [laughs]."

Dunbar said any woman in the area who is interested in singing is more than welcome to join Crystal Chords. If one does not have time to fully commit to being part of the group, but still wants to get involved, they can also simply attend a rehearsal as a guest. Rehearsals take place Tuesday evenings from 6:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Horseheads.

To contact Crystal Chords for more information about rehearsals and to stay up-to-date on future performances, visit their website at CrystalChords.com, their Facebook page or email them at crystalchordsinfo@gmail.com.