Music is the perfect method to express feelings for a spouse or loved one.
And Valentine's Day is the perfect time to combine a show of affection with a little diddy sung in four part harmony.
For the seventh year, the BeezNeez a cappella quartet deliver messages of love and affection to those lucky enough to be serenaded.
This year new group 97 North also offers the serenading service.
Both groups are members of the White Spruce City Chorus affiliated with the Sweet Adelines.
The BeezNeez fondly recall a variety of reactions from those surprised with a song in the past.
"We had one lady take one look at us and walk out," laughed Marilyn Johnson, a member of BeezNeez. "We've had young men turn ten shades of red and squirm with embarrassment and we've had ladies crying openly while smiling through the whole song. It's the most exhilarating day of the year for us. It's absolutely incredible."
The singers do a lot of serenading at the hospital, they've been to garage, meat lockers and some homes but mostly offices.
There are four songs to choose from sung by the the Beez Neez including It Had To Be You for sweethearts, Somebody Loves You for a sweetheart or family members, Friends is for well, friends and a lot of moms request a song especially for their children and Can You Feel The Love Tonight from the Lion King is ideal for that situation, Johnson said.
Having just formed three weeks ago 97 North, including Asia Wilkinson, Pam Kranz, Marie Therrien and Deb Hemeryck, offers the song When I Fall In Love.
When the quartet first enters the location, they sing out they have, for example, Valentine's greetings from Kurt to dear Jenn, dear Jenn, dear Jenn, dear Jenn, repeated by each singer from bass to soprano.
"That way everybody knows who it's from and who it's to," explained Johnson, whose group also includes Kathy Pereira, Barb Humphreys and Sam Isabelle. "It's so funny because we usually get quite an audience when we sing."
Johnson said it's usually a collaborative effort with someone at the location making sure the person getting serenaded is where they're supposed to be at the designated time.
"The person that gets it usually doesn't know we're coming but the staff do," said Johnson. "And it works out really well that way."
Not only are the BeezNeez a quartet but they're really good friends as well, Johnson added.
"We've competed for three years and won the novice quartet award the first year during the Sweet Adelines International regional competition that includes singers from B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan," said Johnson.
97 North has plans to compete at this year's Sweet Adelines regional competition held in Calgary in May and proceeds from the serenades go towards travel costs, while the BeezNeez will purchase music.
BeezNeez serenade costs $25 and includes the song, a flower and small package of chocolates.
To book a Valentine's Day greeting from the BeezNeez call 250-564-9130.
97 North serenade costs $25 and includes the song and a goodie bag full of treats. To book a Valentine's Day greeting from 97 North call 250-562-9855 or email barbershop-bass@hotmail.com.
