Sounds of Concord. / Photo by Steve Salmin

The first concert of the 2012-2013 Menotomy Concert Series is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at Town Hall and will feature the Sounds of Concord, fresh from winning the Northeast District championship of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

As champions for the second consecutive year, the group will be representing the Northeast at the Barbershop Harmony Society International Competition in July in Toronto.

Entertaining audiences for more than 40 years, the group is one of New England's top-ranked male vocal ensembles, drawing its members from the community.

Their singing is primarily in the barbershop style, that original American musical form combining four-part close harmony with rich melodic sound and lots of emotion. The repertoire includes ballads sung from the heart as well as toe-tappers and swing melodies that put a smile on your face.

Their songs range from traditional barbershop to tunes from stage and screen, gospel songs and spirituals, folk tunes, and patriotic songs. The group is directed by Dan Costello, one of the youngest certified Directors in the history of barbershop singing.

The Sounds of Concord is a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, (formerly known as SPEBSQSA Inc.) Its members come from all walks of life, but along with more than 28,000 other barbershoppers, they share a passion for fellowship, making good music together and entertaining audiences.

The group rehearses every Thursday evening at 7:30 at Temple Emunah in Lexington, and guests are always welcome. Sounds of Concord is available to book for special events, either as the full chorus, quartets or anything in between.

The group also has a Singing Valentine promotion each year in February. Contact the group for details.

The Menotomy Concert Series was established to coincide with the festivities celebrating the bicentennial of the Town of Arlington. As Arlington officially changed its name from Menotomy in 1807, a concert series with a nostalgic nod to the town’s former name seemed an appropriate gesture. The remaining concerts are scheduled for Jan. 4, March 8 and May 10.

The series thanks Adam Chapdelaine, town manager and Patsy Kraemer, facilities manager, for their support in nurturing this series. Citizens of Arlington can help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the opening of the Robbins Town Hall as well as celebrate the endeavors of Arlington’s artist-citizens.

Admission is free but a free-will donation may be made.

For more information about the Menotomy Concert series, contact Pasquale Tassone at 781-646-7741.

This story was published Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012.