The Kingston Townsmen Chorus is a men's a cappella barbershop chorus — a close-knit group who rehearse hard, ring chords, and bring four-part harmony to stages, halls, and front porches across the region.
We're a mixed group of guys, young and old, from every corner of Kingston life, united by one shared habit: we can't resist a well-locked chord. No sheet music stands, no backing tracks — just four parts, tuned by ear until the overtones ring.
Our set list stretches from barbershop standards to pop and holiday favourites, chosen so there's something in every show for every kind of ear. Beyond performing, we run vocal workshops with youth groups around the city, passing the craft on to the next generation of harmony singers.
Barbershop harmony is built from four interlocking lines. Every chord depends on all four holding their ground.
Anchors the chord and sets the harmonic root the other three parts lock around.
Fills the chord from wherever it's needed, above or below the melody line.
Carries the tune the audience follows, straightforward and unadorned.
Floats a harmony above the melody, where the ringing "fifth voice" overtone is born.
Birthdays, anniversaries, historical commemorations, and community celebrations — we tailor the set to the occasion.
Every February, a quartet delivers a love song, a rose, and a keepsake card straight to your special someone.
Our flagship show plus a rotation of benefit performances supporting causes across the Kingston community.
Guests are welcome at any Tuesday rehearsal — no experience or sheet-music reading required, just a willingness to learn by ear.