Who
We Are
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
Voted Most Entertaining Small Chorus - 2008
Fifth Place, Illinois District Contest,
2002, 2005, and 2008
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.
