HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Since 1994, the Crystal Chords, a women's a cappella group, have been bringing music to the Twin Tiers. On Saturday, they brought their voices and holiday spirits to Horseheads for a Holiday Craft Fair.
Music comes in all kinds of forms but, the Crystal Chords are all about their voices. The a cappella group is comprised of women from all over the region and are self-proclaimed "Ordinary women coming together to make extraordinary music."
Beginning on Saturday morning and going into the afternoon, the Horseheads American Legion was filled with vendors for the Crystal Chord's Holiday Craft Fair. The goal of the event was to help the singers raise money for their operations, competitions, and performances.
The Chords even sang some holiday songs to give attendees a taste of what they can do.
"Well, initially it's just a fundraiser," said Jo Barlow, a member of the Crystal Chords. "We've been doing this for seven years and we raise funds to help keep the chorus going. We're a non-profit. We have about 40 members. But, the other thing is that we have a really good time doing this and we can kind of promote our concerts and events that are coming up, talk to people about the chorus, show little videos, and just let people know we're out there and that we're available to sing at events and things."
The group was formed in 1994 and is chartered by Harmony Inc., a national barbershop singing organization for women with over 65 national chapters. For decades. the Crystal Chords have brought musical joy to the community but traveling to sing requires financial help.
Barlow says the group gathered over 50 vendors to help them raise money at the Holiday Craft Fair.
"The best part about events like these is that you know what you're supporting," said Misty Bolanos, a vendor and owner of Twistic Mystic. "I've already donated, you know, a piece of my jewelry and, of course you know, donated to the raffles, and all the money is gonna go to them to be able to travel around and do what they love the best, and those kinds of events mean more than any other event that I've attended."
At the end of the day, however, several members of the Crystal Chords say the thing that matters most is the music and especially the community that comes with it.
"The thing about singing with other women in harmony is, you know, if you're in the car and you love to sing, you just burst into the song and you get that good feeling," said Barlow. "But when you sing in harmony with other people, it's really amplified, it's magical. So we just have a really good time singing together. Our rehearsals are a blast and we laugh a lot, but we also are learning to be better singers."
The group's next gig is coming up soon. A Crystal Chords holiday concert will be held on December 17 at the United Methodist Church at 1034 W Broad Street in Horseheads.
Members of the group encourage people of all ages to come on down and listen to the music.
Barlow also says the group hosts open rehearsals for anyone to come out and try to sing a tune with the Chords. Plus, if you enjoy it and come to their next few rehearsals, you may be able to join them on the concert.
For more information on upcoming gigs and how you may be able to join the Crystal Chords, you can check out their website or Facebook page.