Buffalo Gateway Show Chorus offers Ringing Valentines
by ANDREA KIMBRIEL Reporter

Musical messages can be sent to loved ones anywhere in the world via the Ringing Valentines offered by The Buffalo Gateway Show Chorus.

Ringing Valentines allow people to send a song snippet and personal message to a loved one by phone or e-mail. The 10 song choices, recorded by the chorus, can be sampled at the Web site, www. buffalogatewaychorus. com.

Songs include "Believe" from the movie "The Polar Express," "Wind Beneath My Wings," "If I Give My Heart to You" and others. The music isn't just meant for romantic couples; some songs are appropriate for friends and family as well, said Kerri Onan, chair of publicity for the Buffalo Gateway Show Chorus.

"I think you should let people know that you care about them every day, and Valentine's Day is just another day to do that," said Onan.

A member of the chorus will contact the recipient, share the 30-second personal message and play 60 seconds of the chosen song, said Onan.

In past years, the group offered a live, traveling quartet that shared singing valentines. Because of rising gas prices and the potential for bad weather at this time of year, members decided Ringing Valentines would be a more effective way to let people send their greetings. A Ringing Valentine is $10, and a "six pack" of valentines is $50.

Also, since the Ringing Valentines can be sent anywhere in the world, Onan said the group hopes military personnel overseas will receive them.

"Wouldn't it be great for a soldier to open his e-mail and say, 'Someone thought about us,'" she said. Onan said the chorus distributed fliers advertising the service at reserve locations throughout the area.

People can call 635-8642 or go to the Web site to order their Ringing Valentines now. Those who forget to get a gift for that special someone can even call on Valentine's Day, Onan said. Volunteers from the group will gather at the director's home to send messages using her two phone lines and the Internet.

"We have people that take off from work and do this all day. It's a big thing. We enjoy going out and doing this," said Onan.

Buffalo Gateway Chorus is a four-part a cappella women's chorus affiliated with Sweet Adelines International. Onan said the group is made up of 86 members ranging from 21 years of age to 90.

"It's for women who love to sing," she said.