For more than a four decades, love in Sarnia has occasionally arrived in four-part harmony. Dressed in crisp attire, armed with a pitch pipe and a single red rose, the Bluewater Chordsmen and Ladies have been quietly surprising residents with Singing Valentines, turning ordinary February days into unforgettable moments filled with laughter, shock, and sometimes […]
For more than a four decades, love in Sarnia has occasionally arrived in four-part harmony.
Dressed in crisp attire, armed with a pitch pipe and a single red rose, the Bluewater Chordsmen and Ladies have been quietly surprising residents with Singing Valentines, turning ordinary February days into unforgettable moments filled with laughter, shock, and sometimes pure disbelief.
Founded in 1945, the Bluewater Chordsmen have been part of Sarnia’s musical fabric for decades, with their Singing Valentine tradition emerging in the early 1980s. “We took a break for a while when bookings slowed down in the 90s, but people kept calling and asking about it,” said David Crosbie, a long-time member and organizer. “Eventually, we realized how much it meant to people.”
The tradition was revived full force in the early 2000s, paused again during the pandemic, and officially returned in 2022. Since then, Crosbie says interest has been steady and growing.
“It’s been consistent every year since we brought it back,” he said. “People really seem to love it.”
The reactions, however, are anything but predictable.
“We get a little bit of everything,” Crosbie laughed.
One Valentine delivery stands out clearly in his memory. The quartet arrived at a rural home near Confederation Line, expecting a typical delivery. Instead, they walked into a tropical themed euchre party, complete with Hawaiian shirts, beachwear, sunglasses, and decorations.
“They were all dressed up in Hawaiian shirts and shorts,” Crosbie recalled. “They even had an old barber chair set up. The woman we were singing to sat right down in it, and we stood around her and sang. She played it right up.”
Photos were taken, laughter filled the room, and the moment became one of those stories that stays with the singers long after the final chord fades.
Another delivery that same year went in a very different direction.
“The husband opened the door, and then went upstairs because he said his wife was up there sleeping,” Crosbie said. “They lined up beside the bed, blew the pitch pipe, and started to sing.”
The reaction was immediate and unforgettable.
“She ran into the bathroom and locked the door,” he said, laughing. “She was terrified.”
The quartet finished the performance anyway.
“They sang the songs right through the door,” Crosbie said. “She never came out.”
Over the years, Singing Valentines have taken place in workplaces, salons, churches, schools, hospitals, and private homes. Crosbie says businesses are especially popular locations.
“A lot of people like doing it at work because it catches people off guard,” he said. “You’ll hear someone say, ‘I wish my husband did that,’ and suddenly someone else wants to know how to book one.”
The surprises are not limited to women. Crosbie notes that men are often recipients as well.
“We’ve had wives and girlfriends send them to men,” he said. “It goes both ways.”
Behind the charm and humour is a strong commitment to giving back. After covering expenses, proceeds from Singing Valentines are donated to charity, with the funds staying local.
“This year, the Singing Valentines are supporting Harmonize for Speech,” Crosbie said. “They’re connected with Pathway's Health Centre of Children here in the community. Keeping the money local is really important to us.”
That community focus runs deep. The Bluewater Chordsmen and Ladies are the local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the largest choral organization in the world. Today, the group has 27 committed members and continues to grow. Through their local performances, they have donated over $150,000 to organizations in Sarnia-Lambton.
“We’re absolutely still welcoming new singers,” Crosbie said. “You don’t need musical experience. You don’t need to read music. We learn together, and we just enjoy singing.”
Interest has been rising, particularly among women.
“At our first practice in January, one lady came out,” he said. “Then the next week, we had five more. The word is definitely getting out.”
The group rehearses every Tuesday evening at All Saints Anglican Church and performs year-round, with Christmas being their busiest season.
“From November to Christmas, we were singing two days a week,” Crosbie said. “Hospitals, seniors’ homes, service clubs, Christmas parties, our own benefit concert. We’re very active.”
Both the annual Christmas benefit concert and Singing Valentines support charitable causes, reinforcing what Crosbie describes as the heart of the group.
“We’re not just about singing,” he said. “We’re about service, connection, and making people smile.”
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Crosbie encourages those interested to book early.
“Every year we get calls on Valentine’s Day asking if we still have room,” he said. “We do our best, but it really helps when people plan ahead.”
After decades of harmonizing through laughter, surprise, and the occasional locked bathroom door, the Bluewater Chordsmen and Ladies continue to prove that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are not wrapped at all.
Say "I love you" with a song, with a Singing Valentine delivered by the Bluewater Chordsmen on February 14. Includes 3 love songs, a rose, and a card with a personalized message. $50 for a single valentine in Sarnia, Corunna, or Brights Grove. $80 for a group valentine. For more information on booking a Singing Valentine or joining the chorus, residents can contact David Crosbie at 226-402-3060.
