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Augusta, GA – March 24, 2025 – The Garden City Chorus, Augusta’s premier barbershop harmony group, has been awarded Most Improved Chorus at the 2025 Southeastern Harmony District Championships, held March 22 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The honor marks a triumphant return to competition for the chorus, which had not participated in over a decade until last year.

The chorus impressed judges with their musical growth and emotionally resonant performance. “We really enjoyed your performance,” remarked one judge. Another noted, “The way you move around the chord—that’s wonderful to see and hear and feel.”

Newly appointed director George Kasarjian, who led the chorus in this year’s performance, reflected on the significance of the recognition: “For us, this group, the Most Improved award was our gold medal. We were competing with ourselves, and the nearly four-point score increase was more than any of us expected. It’s an extraordinary validation of our efforts.”

Kasarjian, who comes from a classical music background, emphasized how barbershop singing has sharpened his ensemble skills and deepened his musical connection. “It’s challenged me in new ways and made me a better singer. For many of us, barbershop isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life.”

He also spoke about the broader experience of being part of the barbershop community: “Attending these competitions and conventions also connects us to the broader barbershop community, which is extremely supportive and diverse. It was great to see little kids running around while their parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents participated with such vigor. It was life affirming.”

Since returning to competition in 2024, the Garden City Chorus has focused on revitalizing its musical identity. Under Kasarjian’s leadership, the group has embraced a renewed vision of excellence, education, and community connection. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We aim to build on this momentum, bring more singers onto the risers, and continue evolving musically.”

Beyond the contest stage, the chorus remains committed to fostering strong ties with the local community. “We want to continue t0 be a fixture in Augusta—collaborating with schools, participating in local festivals, and connecting across generations,” said Kasarjian.

The chorus is actively welcoming new members and encouraging young people to explore the unique blend of tradition and innovation found in barbershop harmony. “People think barbershop is an old art form,” Kasarjian explained, “but it’s really a musical umbrella that embraces all styles. It’s vibrant, inclusive, and surprisingly modern.”

As one chorus member said while leaving the competition: “We’re just getting started. And Augusta’s about to hear a whole lot more from us.”

For more information or to attend a rehearsal, visit our website