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Our
Mission Statement
"The Independence Chapter of
The Barbershop Harmony
Society (SPEBSQSA), will be a fraternity of quartet men dedicated to
quality quartet and chorus singing of barbershop harmony in an atmosphere of
fun, fellowship, continuous learning and teamwork. Further, the chapter
encourages and supports the entire North East Ohio
Barbershop Community."
What We Are:
The Independence, Ohio chapter of The Barbershop Harmony
Society (SPEBSQSA), is the newest chapter in the Cleveland metropolitan area dedicated to
high-quality quartet and chorus singing of Barbershop-style music.
Who We Are:
The Chapter will be comprised of competent quartet men who enjoy both formal
and informal quartet singing as well as high-caliber chorus singing.
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Talented and well-known barbershoppers in the community will be members of
the chapter and are expected to contribute through participation, coaching,
directing, leadership and mentoring.
The chapter recognizes its quartet
roots, and promotes quartet growth within the chapter, as well as quartet
activity every Thursday evening during rehearsal. We welcome
established quartets to come and entertain!
Each week, the chapter incorporates its
quartet program into the fast paced, educationally fun evening! From
warm-up exercises, to learning a song from days gone by, quartets are the
life blood of this fine, "A" level focused chapter.
In the 2005 Divisional Contest, held
in Hermitage Pa.,
Independence
had approximately 28 singers in quartets that crossed the contest
stage. Four quartets qualified to sing at the District contest in Charleston, WV.
Quartets truly anchor the sound of this fine group of singers!
2006 Divisional Competition in
Charleston WV, proved to be every bit as quartet involved, as
approximately 85% of the total Independence Chapter membership, went across
the stage in the quartet competition, some of whom made this their very
first quartet experience! 6 quartets, and
one mike tester quartet advanced to District Competition. Quartets
truly dominate this fine chapter!
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What
We Offer:
By meeting on a different night than most local chapters, the Independence
chapter offers another outlet for local Barbershoppers, as well as the
musically inclined male singer seeking a quality
singing experience. We do NOT accept direct transfers, but
will accept a dual membership, IF the candidate sings with both
his home chapter AND Independence, for a minimum of one year. Our
hope would be, that the singer can be a positive example to both
chapters by what he learns on a weekly basis.
Our balanced focus on both quartet and chorus activities will be of
interest
to men who enjoy either activity separately as well as those who take
pleasure in both.
Singing requirements for membership ensure that all members will be competent
quartet men who can hold their own in informal quartet settings.
The chorus will be comprised of quality singers with a personal commitment
to preparation and excellence, and will constantly challenge members to
achieve the highest levels of performance.
Membership Standards:
To become a chapter member, candidates must be men of good character
and demonstrate an ability to carry their part in a quartet that could
perform acceptably in public.
Chorus participation is based on tape audits of the music, as well as
choreography preparation, and visual involvement. Members are
encouraged to attend rehearsals on a regular basis, practice at home,
and focus on singing at an "A" level of performance. |
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