Introducing Documentary #3: The Run

In 1978, after the Vocal Majority finished second, Jim Clancy made a promise that would echo through barbershop history:

> “As long as I’m the director of this chorus, the Vocal Majority will never again finish second.”

It was a bold declaration that held true for 30 years.

Beginning in 1979, the Vocal Majority captured 10 consecutive Gold Medals in international chorus competition by then Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Because champions were required to sit out the next two contests, this extraordinary achievement became a 30-year undefeated run, lasting from 1979 to 2009.

The Run, the third documentary in the Vocal Majority film series, chronicles this remarkable era in vivid, chronological detail. Through never-before-told stories and historic performance audio, the film explores:

• The anguish felt in 1988 when Greg Clancy and others had to tell Jim Clancy the chorus sat in second place after the first set became a moment that led to what many consider the performance of a lifetime
• The surprising revelation that most of the Vocal Majority’s uptunes during the run were not chosen by the chorus
• Video and audio excerpts from every contest performance throughout the 30-year streak
• The profound personal impact Jim Clancy had on singers, and how his influence continues to keep the music alive
• The heartbreaking end of the run in 2009, and Jim Clancy’s character-defining, gracious response

The Run is more than a documentary. It’s a deep dive into three decades of excellence, pressure, trust, and legacy—told by the people who lived it.

Watch The Run and experience the story behind one of the most dominant eras in competitive music history.

Past Episodes

Episode 1: “The Beginning”

Episode 1—”The Beginning”—takes us back to where it all started. In honor of the 50th anniversary of our first Gold Medal in 1975, and in memory of our beloved Musical Director, Jim Clancy, we’re proud to share the roots of our journey. Watch “The Beginning” here on YouTube.

Travel through the early years of the chorus, founded as a chapter of what was then called the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), and is now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Hear firsthand stories from the original founders in interviews recorded over the years. Discover how Jim Clancy, with his rich background in music, became the director of the Vocal Majority in 1974 and led the chorus to its first Gold Medal in 1975. Follow the ups and downs, including the tough loss in 1978 when VM placed second—but turned it into a moment of growth.

You’ll also hear from Greg Clancy, who went from singing on the front row as a 12-year-old to leading the chorus today as Musical Director.

Episode 2: The Heart

In this deeply moving chapter, we take you behind the scenes to explore the emotional core that has defined the Vocal Majority from the very beginning. You’ll discover how love, passion, and musical excellence came together to create the sound and spirit our audiences feel to this day. Watch “The Heart” here on YouTube.

From the roots of our chorus to the personal stories of individual members, this episode is a powerful tribute to the why behind what we do — and how it’s changed lives along the way.

What you’ll experience in this episode:

• The early days of building our musical identity
• How emotional connection became our signature
• Member stories that speak to the power of harmony and community
• The evolution of a sound born from heart, not just technique