Bring a little cheer with a singing valentine by Chorus of DuPage quartets

Every Feb. 14, barbershop vocalists from the Chorus of DuPage deliver singing valentines throughout Chicago and suburbs.

Their songs, personally delivered, make Valentine's Day memorable for lovers, family members, friends and employees. It is a valentines gift that is never forgotten or confused with a box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers.

This year, the quartets will be singing throughout the Chicago metropolitan area from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14.

There are four delivery options to choose from including custom, premium, standard and telephone delivery with prices ranging from $25 to $100. See www.chorusofdupage.com/valentines for details and to place an order.

The Barbershop Harmony Society, an international organization of barbershop singers, estimates that each year at least 15,000 singing valentines are delivered by about 1,000 different quartets. Locally, the Chorus of DuPage is one of approximately 700 chapters of the Barbershop Harmony Society in North America.

The quartets, who deliver these singing valentines, find that they are just as touched by the love, friendship and smiles associated with every delivery as are the recipients. History shows that these valentines are not entirely sent by men to woman, but there is a large portion sent by woman to their husbands and boyfriends.

Singing valentines are sent to offices, homes, senior residences, hospitals, businesses and restaurants. The enjoyment, smiles and feeling of love is felt not only by the intended recipients, but by everyone around who can hear the quartets sing, such as fellow workers, customers, others at senior residences plus other hospital patients, doctors and nurses.

If your special valentines live too far away for an in-person delivery, such as students away at college, members in the military or parents at their retirement home out of state, then consider sending a "ringing" valentine via telephone.

Visit www.chorusofdupage.com/valentines for details or call (331) 444-2740 with any questions.

The Chorus of DuPage, which has been harmonizing for over 50 years, has about 55 active members and meets weekly in Naperville. They welcome new members. Drop by on any Tuesday evening and find out if you would like to sing with the all-male barbershop chorus. If you enjoy four-part harmony, you don't have to be a good singer and you don't have to be able to read music. You also don't have to sing alone. Rehearsals are at 7:15 p.m. at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St. in Naperville.

If you're interested in learning more about the chorus or would like to hire a quartet for a special visit, call (331) 444-2740 or email info@chorusofdupage.com. Visitwww.chorusofdupage.com or www.facebook.com/ChorusofDuPage/.

For more information about the Barbershop Harmony Society, visit www.barbershop.org.