2012 Singing Valentines Bring Joy to Recipients

Tuesday February 14 found Dominion 4 once again embarked on a Valentines Day journey destined to bring joy to the hearts of others. As part of Loudoun County's Chorus of the Old Dominion, Dominion 4 volunteered their time and talent to the chorus by soliciting and delivering Singing Valentines. Recipients included elderly persons at home, a church youth group, business and restaurant owners, and even a volunteer at the Purcellville Fire and Rescue station. It was eight years ago to the day that Dominion 4 first sang in public delivering Singing Valentines for the COD. Based on this year's enthusiastic responses, there are sure to be many future opportunities for Dominion 4 to deliver Singing Valentines.  For more information about Loudoun County's barbershop Chorus of the Old Dominion and Singing Valentines, visit < www.ODChoorus.org >.         

The 2011 Festival of Lights Event Brings Over 700 People To Hear Dominion 4

Thursday December 29th found Dominion 4 back once more celebrating the Christmas season at the Temple Visitor's Center in Kensington MD. The center was jammed with people who came to see the lights, the displays, and to hear the Dominion 4 sing. The quartet's two performances included traditional carols and holiday melodies to reflect on the Christmas just passed. And to help usher in the new year, the quartet selected positive up-tempo songs offering cheer and hope for the future. With well over 700 people attending Dominion 4's two performances, all reports confirm that a good time was had by all! 

Dominion 4 a Real Splash at a Private Event.

Friday evening, October 7, 2011 found The Dominion 4 quartet - Bob Rodriguez (T), Ray Sitter (L), Dave Updegrove (B) and Frank Shipp (Bari) of the Chorus of the Old Dominion, Loudoun County VA – ready to sing for a surprise marriage proposal. In the words of the groom-to-be (Paul), "It was a special and unforgettable night”. The loving couple sat on a bench near the end of a dock while Dominion 4 waited in the shadows to witness the proposal and presentation of the ring. On cue and dressed in tuxedo shirts, vests and bow ties, the quartet “magically appeared” to sing three love songs to the newly betrothed. 
With the final chords rung, everyone was pleased. The fiancée (Lisa) was overwhelmed and teary eyed and heartfelt hugs and congratulations were shared. Someone suggested taking pictures of the couple and quartet with the lake’s lit fountain in the background, so everyone positioned themselves on the dock for snapshots.
If there was any doubt the night would soon be forgotten, D4's baritone Frank made sure to eradicate any such concern, for it was then that he backed up and tumbled off the dock. With a sploosh, Frank fell into the lake; tuxedo vest & bow tie, wrist watch, cell phone, eye glasses and all! 
For a moment, all were in shock, followed by howls of laughter. With some effort, Dave, Bob and Ray managed to haul Frank out of the lake, and the pictures were taken.
Some say that barbershoppers are well known for "love, laughter and a barbershop song".
Without a doubt, Dominion 4 set out to prove it. The 3 love songs and the laughter warmed our hearts - and will for years to come. The pictures memorialize one unforgettable night a beautiful couple shared with Dominion 4. Congratulations and best wishes to Lisa and Paul! 

2011 Waterford Fair Another Success

Friday October 7th, 2011 found Dominion 4 singing once again at the General Store's front porch to entertain fair goers from several states around. Waterford Fair is one of Loudoun County's premier events, and D4 is delighted to be a part of the celebration. As usual, regulars stopped by to hear the quartet, as did newcomers. D4 sang a variety of songs ranging from their popular 4-songs in one Nursery Rhymes for the young, to revered traditional barbershop favorites cherished by oldsters. One fellow even stepped forward to sing a song with the quartet. Everyone had a good time as they found a spot to sit on the hay bales and listened to Dominion 4. D4 looks forward to the next annual Waterford Fair and all the fun.
 
Dominion 4 Sings Once Again At The Seniors Expo

Thursday, May 5th, 2011 - Dominion 4 was once again selected to sing for the mostly senior aged show-goers at the "Senior Expo" held at the Community Church in Ashburn, VA . Visitors and vendors alike enjoyed the singing of Dominion 4 as the quartet strolled the halls and meeting rooms to entertain attendees. D4 offered a variety of song selections from barbershop, do-wop, pop and spirituals as they canvassed the show.  The Seniors Expo is a fun venue for the quartet because they are free to come and go. They even paid a surprise visit to the Inova trailer to entertain the Inova staff (and while there, get their BP checked). The nurses appreciated the quartet's visit and rewarded them with good reports of health!  Apparently the D4 brand of singing and humor is good for body as well as soul!

Dominion 4 Opens Loudoun's Little League Season

Dominion 4 had the greatest honor (and pleasure) to sing the National Anthem at the opening of the 2011 baseball season for the Lower Loudoun Little League on April 30, 2011. Hundreds of people came to Round Hill to celebrate the event on a beautiful and bright Spring Saturday morning. D4 sang several other songs as well, including a humorous rendition of Take Me Out To The Ball Game, in which the quartet pretends to forget the lyrics and ends up making 3 attempts to get it right before inventing a new ending. Baseball players, coaches and fans all enjoyed Dominion 4's humor; and for Dominion 4 it was a real treat to contribute to the success of home town American baseball at its finest. (Note: Be sure to see the picture in the photo gallery.) 

Singing Valentines 2011 Once Again Takes Dominion 4 Around The County

Dominion 4 first met and sang together to deliver Singing Valentines 7 years ago on behalf of the Chorus of the Old Doiminion (www.odchorus.org).  Once again, this day was filled with song as they traveled east and west around Loudoun County delivering flowers, cards and songs to housewives, professionals, and the elderly.  What a treat it was to bring sunshine to even those who otherwise are not able to get around. The quartet delivered their first Valentine of the day at Mercer School for a dedicated fan/customer from the start and ended the day by stopping by Savoir Fare in Round Hill and surprising the patrons with some love songs. But the biggest surprise was when the restaurant's owner and chef, Joan Wolford, came from the kitchen to join the quartert in song, singing "Will I Ever Tell Him" (aka "Dream of Now") from The Music Man, with D4 backing her performance by singing Lida Rose. Upon completion of the combined performance, restaurant patrons rose to give both Joan and the quartet a standing ovation. Valentines Day doesn't get much better than that. 

Dominion 4 Entertains 3 Audiences At First Night Leesburg

Dominion 4 did it again!  Fans and newcomers alike came to hear Dominion 4's lively brand of close harmony at the old Presbyterian Church in Leesburg on New Years Eve 2010.   .  : The quartet sang 3 sets of music, taking the audience(s) down musical memory lane. Selections included songs from the 40's through the 80's, and even a guest vocalist added charm and beauty to the evening of unforgetable fun.  Dominion 4 is grateful for all the support of loyal fans who continue to come to First Night Leesburg and greets all those who came for the first time. May we all have a happy, healthy and properous New Year 2011!. 

Dominion 4 Celebrates Autumn 2010 at the Waterford Fair

Once again, Dominion 4 entertained Autumn Fairgoers at the annual Waterfor Fair in Waterford VA on Friday October 1st.
Attendees of all ages enjoyed the quartet's variety of songs, styles  and banter at the porch of the General Store at Waterford's central crossroads.
Along with performing "on-stage", the quartet treated fairgoers to additional songs as they visited  booths and serenaded vendors, sometimes dueting with them.
The weather was perfect and so was the occasion.  The quartet hopes to see all of you next year at Waterford.

Dominion 4 Sings at the 2010 Fauquier County Chorus Cabaret 

Saturday, June 5, 2010 - Dominion 4 was honored to be one of the featured quartets at the 2010 Fauquier County Barbershop Chorus's annual show.  This year the Blue Ridge chorus chose the cabaret dinner show venue. Attendees were treated to a variety of choruses and quartets as they dined in an informal setting.  Dominion 4 entertained the relatively mature audience with a "journey through the decades" repertoire of close harmony songs from the war years through the 70's.  During the afterglow, show-goers were treated to some of Dominion 4's favorite "less-than-barbershop" musical selections. 

Dominion 4 Entertains Show-Attendees at the Senior Expo

Thursday, May 6, 2010 - In harmony with their style of musical entertainment, Dominion 4 was selected to sing for mostly senior aged show-goes at the "Senior Expo" held at the Community Church in Ashburn VA  The event, hosted by Homewell Senior Care, enabled visitors to visit with close to 90 vendors, and also to enjoy music of the Dominion 4 quartet.  Attendees of all ages stopped, listened, and enjoyed D4 singing selections of barbershop, pop and spirituals as they canvassed the show rooms and halls.  It was a lively venue and fun for the quartet to meet so many new appreciative people and even a few D4 followers.  

Dominion 4 Sings Again at the Festival of Lights 

Tuesday, December 15, 2009  - Dominion 4 was honored once again to be selected from many applicants to entertain at the Festival of Lights hosted by the LDSChurch at the TempleVisitorsCenter in Kensington MD.  Two shows were performed in the beautiful theater at the VisitorsCenter for audiences ranging from small children to seniors.  Singing secular - and spiritual - songs from their repertoire, along with narrative reflecting the history of the selections and bible scripture, the quartet contributed to the Christmas spirit felt by all. Dominion 4 feels honored to be a part of the Festival of Lights entertainment roster, and looks forward to more opportunities to spread the good news of the birth of Christ.  

Dominion 4 Sings Waterford - Again!

October 3, 2009 - Dominion 4 once again entertained hundreds on both Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3 at the annual Waterford Fair. The quartet's repertoire consisted of songs ranging from traditional barbershop to gospel, pop and doo-wop. Proving to be one of their most popular selections was their demonstration of singing four songs at once! The weather was perfect for singing, the crowd was enthusiastic, and the songs were uplifting and appropriate for young and old alike. Dominion 4 was once again overjoyed having the opportunity to share their talent with the many fairgoers who returned to hear them and their music.

Dominion 4 Delivers Singing Valentines

February 13, 2009 - On behalf of the Loudoun County (VA) Chorus of the Old Dominion's fund raising efforts, Dominion 4 once again delivered Singing Valentines to people around Loudoun County. In addition, the quartet visited several nursing and special needs facilities to sing (gratis) to infirmed people. Once again, the joy of D4's music rang throughout the local area throughout the day. Dominion 4 originally formed back in 2004 to deliver Singing Valentines, and some patrons have requested the quartet's return every year. For more information about Dominion 4 delivering a singing valentine to your loved one, feel free to contact the quartet by calling 540-592-3740.

Dominion 4 Sings Once More at Waterford

October 3, 2008 - Dominion 4 once again entertained a wide variety of folks at the annual Waterford Fair (VA) festival on Friday, October 3, 2008. In addition, the quartet strolled the grounds and entertained "on demand" to the enjoyment of many young and old who happened by. The quartet has found that the Waterford Fair is the perfect venue for light hearted fun and spreading joy through song.

D4 Guest Quartet at Faquier County Show

April 26, 2008 - Dominion 4 wowed 'em once again as the guest quartet for the Blue Ridge Chorus' annual Fauquier County barbershop show in Warrenton,Virginia. After the intermission, the quartet led the audience on a half-hour musical trip through the decades, starting with an upbeat Glenn Miller era tight-harmony arrangement of "I've Got a Girl from Kalamazoo" featuring D4's bass singer Dave Updegrove on lead. Their set ended with a gospel number to raise audience spirits even further. One barbershopper at the show commented that he especially enjoys Dominion 4 because "They sing sincerely and without shouting!" The ever-popular Afterglow event included even more songs showcasing Dominion 4, along with some mix and match chord ringing and tags.

Happy New Year, From the D4 Quartet

December 31, 2007 - Dominion 4 was once again asked to help ring in the New Year by singing multiple performances as part of First Night Leesburg's New Years celebration. The venue offers a variety of entertainment and music choices for all ages. Dominion 4 sang a cappella barbershop, contemporary pop and gospel songs, all blended with humor. Many came, and stayed to hear the quartet. "These guys do more than just sing; it's clear they have fun, and so do I." quipped one attendee who has followed the quartet from job to job. First Night Leesburg is a light-hearted event that the quartet has enjoyed singing for several times.

Singing In the Christmas Spirit

December 11, 2007 - Dominion 4 was selected from a host of applicants to perform on stage at Washington DC's LDS Temple Visitors Center. Close to 500 attendees enjoyed the quartet's singing of traditional Christmas carols and holiday songs delivered during two performances at the Kensington, MD center. The quartet was honored to sing at the revered location with its lovely auditorium - and a great sound system. But the quartet's highlight was the audience and the mutual sharing of the Christmas spirit.

Fairgoers Entertained by Dominion 4

October 5, 2007 - Dominion 4 was invited once more to entertain visitors at the annual Waterford Fair in historic Waterford, Virginia. The weather cooperated and many passers-by stopped to hear traditional barbershop, gospel and contemporary songs sung by the quartet on the front porch of Waterford's old general store. "Waterford is a great venue for reaching out to young and old alike and share the joy of 4-part a cappella harmony," said tenor Bob Rodriguez of the quartet. Dominion 4 looks forward to the Waterford Fair again next year and carrying forward what's becoming a tradition for them.

Dominion 4 Entertains Hundreds at DC Corporate Gathering

June 4, 2007 - Dominion 4 entertained a gathering of hundreds at Washington DC's prestigious Omni-Shoreham Hotel. Taking advantage of the quartet's versatility, Genworth Financial Services contracted the quartet to provide musical ambiance at an evening expo-reception. Guests spanned three or more generations, and based on feedback from guests and hosts, the quartet was a big hit. D4 looks forward to further opportunities to entertain for these and similar corporate events.

D4 Sings for Martinsburg WV Heritage Days

May 5, 2007 - The Dominion 4 quartet helped celebrate Martinsburg, West Virginia’s Heritage Days weekend by singing at the Belle Boyd House and Museum in downtown Martinsburg. The quartet sang both traditional barbershop and popular songs for an informal audience gathered in the parlor. Passers by, hearing the quartet’s harmony, came in from the street to take part. According to Don Silvius, a local historian at Civil War re-enactor who was present, “Everyone with the society who was there at the end of the day seemed quite pleased with the event." The quartet looks forward to returning to sing there at Christmastime.

D4 Sings for Leesburg’s Long Term Care

May 5, 2007 - Dominion 4 sang for residents of Leesburg, Virginia's Long Term Care facility, following-up an earlier much-enjoyed quartet performance at the center. Some of the residents nodded and sang along with the quartet’s classic barbershop “oldies”, while others smiled and sang along to the more modern tunes from the quartet’s repertoire. “Performing for audiences like these folks is heart warming and a fulfilling type of service,” said tenor Bob Rodriguez of the quartet, "Call on us anytime!"

Quartet Makes Radio Appearance

December 15, 2006 - The Dominion 4 quartet, representing the Chorus of the Old Dominion, sang carols and popular tunes during a 45 minute segment of Chris King's "Live in Loudoun" broadcast on Leesburg VA’s radio station WAGE.  The quartet opened the show with a rousing rendition of "Jingle Bells", after which the show's host Chris King proclaimed on the air "You guys make me smile!"  "That's what Dominion 4 is all about!" replied quartet tenor Bob Rodriguez.

Dominion 4 Selected as Featured Guest Quartet

April 8, 2006 - Dominion 4 was unanimously selected by the Apple Capital Chorus (Winchester VA) show committee to be the featured guest quartet for the chorus' annual show on April 7th 2006. "From the Apple Capital Chorus, our sincere thanks to Dominion 4 for your participation in our Show Friday night, " stated the show spokesperson. "From our informal poll of the audience I can tell you that everyone enjoyed your performance very much."

Another Round of Singing Valentines

February 14, 2006 - Dominion 4 delivered "Singing Valentines" on Valentine's Day to 13 paying customers, starting with a 6:45 AM delivery to a cashier at the local 7-11. Other recipients included office workers, school teachers and administrators, and those at home. D4 also delivered a number of complimentary singing valentines, including one to an employee at a local McDonald's. They ended the long day by singing to customers at Zeparelli's Restaurant in Leesburg VA.


Dominion 4 Performs for Bluemont Summer Concert Series

August 15, 2005 - The Dominion 4 recently concluded a series of summer performances along with other name performers as part of the summer's Bluemont Concert Series around the Northern Virginia area. Performance dates and locations included July 22 in Culpeper, VA, July 23rd in Middleburg, VA and August 12th in Winchester, VA. Go to the Bluemont Concert Series home page for more information about the concert series.

Quartet Wins Mid-Atlantic District Trophy for Best In Class

August 4, 2005 - Terry Jordan, representing the Barbershop Harmony Society's Mid-Atlantic District, presented the Southern Division trophy to members of the Dominion 4 barbershop quartet, the Division's 2005 Novice Quartet Champions.
The trophy, originated by the Bowie MD "Knights of Harmony" Chorus in 1981, is shared among the District's Southern Division novice quartet champions. Dominion 4 placed 6th overall out of 22 quartets in the division barbershop competition in May, and scored highest among the novice quartets which had not previously competed.

Dominion 4 Takes Trophy for Best In Class

May 28, 2005 - In their first barbershop quartet competition, Dominion 4 showed their stuff by placing 6th out of 22 quartets, many of which had previous competition
experience. Dominion 4 also took home the trophy for being best in the "novice" class, reserved for quartets competing for the first time. The trophy originated with the Bowie MD "Knights of Harmony" Chorus in 1981 and is forwarded annually to
Mid-Atlantic District's Southern Division novice quartet champions.


According to Dick Smull, president of the Loudoun County barbershop chorus,
"It was great to be in the audience and see their performance. When it was all
done they had won the novice category, come in 6th, and have a chance to
compete in the District competition... Wow!"


Winery Dinner a Hit

March 12, 2005 - The Dominion 4 highlighted an entertaining dinner show at sold-out Tarara Winery in Lucketts, Virginia. The quartet performed their "movie rendition" of "Lida Rose / Dream of Now" from The Music Man. The performance featured soloist Ms. Laura Williams.

Dominion 4 Delivers Singing Valentines

February 14, 2005 - The Dominion 4 barbershop quartet delivered over a dozen "singing valentines" to unsuspecting recipients on Valentine's Day. Traveling throughout Northern Virginia, the quartet entertained school teachers to secretaries with barbershop greetings from loved ones.

Quartet Sings in the New Year

December 31, 2004 - Performing at Leesburg, Virginia's First Night festivities, the Dominion 4 sang in the New Year with three performances throughout the evening. Onlookers were treated to traditional barbershop songs as well as a stirring rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight on the courthouse steps.