Members of the Alexandria Harmonizers chorus were putting the final polish on their vowel-matching, stage presence and uniform shoes this week before they depart for the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 70th Annual Convention and quartet competition in Nashville, Tenn.

The group of 80 singers will compete July 4 in Nashville against 28 other choruses from throughout the U.S., Germany and Sweden.  There are two competition sessions, with the final showdown in the evening to be named the “best of the best” in barbershop harmony.

A panel of 15 certified judges, whose expertise covers every aspect of barbershop harmony, will rate the strengths and weaknesses of the chorus in three categories: singing, presentation and music.  The Harmonizers will also field four barbershop quartets in a similar competition being staged in Nashville.

Directed by Joseph Cerutti, the Alexandria Harmonizers have won 15 international chorus medals, including four first place finishes, during their 60-year history.  Upon returning from Nashville, the chorus will entertain local audiences at Fort Ward Park on July 24th and Market Square on August 22nd.