The Cape Cod Surftones, our renowned barbershop chorus, has been a staple of the Cape Cod community for nearly half a century. While the exact founding date remains a bit elusive, the chorus's rich history can be traced back to the late 1970s.

The first documented mention of the Surftones performing appears in March of 1978, suggesting that the group had already been rehearsing and performing for some time. By 1979, the chorus had officially "chartered." NED president Ron Menard presented the chapter charter in March of 1979, at an open house that filled the rehearsal space at Barnstable Middle School. The female Harmony, Inc. chorus called the Cape Cod Chordaires and two quartets also celebrated and entertained at the presentation.

Meetings were on Mondays at Barnstable Middle School (now Barnstable Intermediate School) on Route 28 in Hyannis.  Under the direction of Dick Steele, the chorus had clearly already been "making waves" for a while in the local community.  That year, it held its second annual show with ticket prices of $4, for a show with four quartets, and 45 chorus members,

Throughout the 1980s, the Surftones continued to thrive. They performed chapter shows at various venues, including Sandwich High School and a fourth annual show at Mattacheese Middle School in 1981.  In 1982 the renowned Boston Common quartet was the guest quartet!. In 1985, the chorus celebrated another milestone as it hosted the International Champion quartet, the Happiness Emporium.  By then, tickets were increased to $6.  Ted Myers became the Musical director.

Over the years, the Surftones have undergone leadership changes, with Assistant Director Robert Thornley ascending to "the helm" for a long interval as director in the early 1990s.  Then, Don Taylor signed on for a long and productive 20+ years in the year 2000.

Over these many decades, the chorus has maintained its commitment to preserving the art of barbershop harmony and entertaining audiences of all ages.

Not only has the chorus repertoire evolved, but so has its membership.  In the 2020s, the first female singers were welcomed in as both the Barbershop Harmony Society and the chorus successfully embraced Everyone in Harmony.

Today, the Cape Cod Surftones continues to be an active and vibrant part of the Cape Cod community. Their dedication to musical excellence and community involvement has solidified their place as a beloved local institution.