The 2025 holiday season is upon us! We have been working hard to bring you the most glorious harmonies to enhance your holiday parties this year. We are under new management: Valerie A. Higgs and Melinda Kernc were handed the gift of the Tones by founder and soprano Izolda Trakhtenberg. She has been busy in … More 2025 Holiday Season
We love to interact with our audiences. We particularly love it when the EmCees play along, and we all have a grand time entertaining guests. Our quartet worked at the Westfield Chantilly tree lighting celebration, and we also had a chance to hang out with the EmCee. This configuration of our quartet was Michael Allison, … More Entertaining Guests and Hosts
As with any group, people sometimes leave to pursue other projects, and as is the case with our beloved member Petra Mayer, they tragically pass away. However, Petra would have been the first to say, “The Show Must Go On!” and so we auditioned and welcomed three new members this holiday season. Cathy Thorpe joins … More New Group Members Welcomed
We almost never perform all together, so rehearsals give us a chance to sing in different configurations. New people can come in and seamlessly join in. That’s how we gel as a team. We listen to each other and play off each other to make something better than the sum of its parts.
Sometimes, to achieve blend and unity, you need a common focus. This technique works in rehearsal and performance, and it can help you achieve focus too. the Philosopher’s Tones practice every year to hone our skills so we can give our best performances to every audience in glorious harmony and pitch-perfect blend. The Phil Tones … More Thinking outside the box (or the hat) helps achieve focus
This year we decided to incorporate new material into our set lists. We are learning the German carol, “Still, Still, Still” in four-part harmony. Also, our tenor, Tim Howe composed a stunning arrangement of “Away In A Manger,” and we have been having a blast learning it. The harmonies are beautiful and will carry you … More Rehearsing New Music And the Brain Freeze
Take a listen to the lovely sounds this small ensemble can bring your event. Your guests will love the harmonies, the costumes, and the interaction with our Dickensian carolers.
The Tones can make four people sound like a full choir. We are available to do it at your holiday party or corporate event. Take a listen and get ready to be amazed at the huge and glorious sound four or even three voices can make.
Last night, we did a video shoot of our current incarnation. We have been performing in the Washington DC metro area since 2003 and various members have come and gone. Currently, we are a quintet. We have a soprano, an alto, a tenor, and two baritones, and last night we recorded several pieces to video … More Video Recording With A Stellar Cast
THE PHILOSOPHER'S TONES 