| "2008
is the Sounds of Harmony 60th anniversary, of which we
are truly proud!"
History
In 1946, we
began as 20 members of a Moose glee club, six of whom
were already barbershoppers. We organized as a barbershop
chorus in August 1948, and were officially chartered as
the Belleville Bell Notes from Belleville, Illinois, by
the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of
Barber Shop Quarter Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now
the Barbershop Harmony Society. Our initial group of 35
members held its first annual show May 21, 1950, and began
a long history of community activity.
In 2004,
we changed our name to the Southwestern Illinois Sounds
of Harmony Barbershop Chorus, indicative of the region
we represent. Although we remain chartered in Belleville,
Illinois, we rehearse in Fairview Heights and our members
come from all over the St. Louis Metro East area and from
as far away as 80 miles. Four-part barbershop harmony
is the core of what we sing, but our repertory includes
many contemporary songs. Today, our total membership stands
at 34 and approximately 24 people make up our singing
chorus.
Over the
years, our chorus and quartets have performed for benefits,
chambers of commerce, churches, hospital groups, nursing
homes, a shopping mall, teachers' associations, and numerous
other community events and organizations. We participate
in many street fairs and parades in communities throughout
Southwestern Illinois and support a variety of charities
in our region.
We are always
looking for men of ALL ages to join us. If you can carry
a tune and love to sing, you’re our kind of person.
You don’t need to be a great or accomplished singer
or be able to read music. We’ll provide you with
the tools and training you need.
Vision
Statement
To be recognized
as the best singing small chorus by the Illinois District
and the Community.
To be active in the Illinois District and the Community
for the propagation of the Barbershop Style.
Mission
Statement
To perpetuate
the institution of Barbershop Harmony, the Barbershop
Quartet, and promote and encourage vocal harmony and good
fellowship among its members and the community, and;
To serve the musical needs of all current members by providing
and actively supporting a wide variety of Barbershop opportunities,
and;
To encourage and promote the education of its members,
and;
To promote and participate in charitable projects in and
around our community, and;
To actively promote Barbershop harmony among the youth
of our community.
Accomplishments
Fifth
Place, Illinois District Contest, 2002 and 2005
Illinois District 4A Plateau winner in 2002, 2003,
and 2005
Second Place, Buckeye Invitational Small Chorus
Contest, 2003
Southern Illinois' best barbershop chorus since
April 1991
Greater St. Louis Area Small Chorus Champion:
1987, 1989, 1990, 1995 thru 2000, and 2002.
Illinois District Plateau A Champion, 1997.
Illinois District Small Chorus Champion, 1994.
|
Southern Illinois' Best 
