|
THE CHEYENNE WYOMINGAIRES, established in 1957, are a
chapter of the Society for the
Preservation and
Encouragement of
Barber
Shop
Quartet
Singing in
America, Inc.,
(SBEBSQSA),
an organization dedicated to promoting the joy of barbershop harmony.
Our director is the venerable John Vance, who has been teaching, directing,
playing in bands, and repairing instruments since Sweet Adeline was a baby.
There is a rumor that he taught King David how to play the harp.
We perform in the Frontier Days Parade and Melodrama Theater each year, stage a few public and private performances as time permits, and sell singing valentines; but mostly we enjoy getting together once a week to participate in the thrill of four-part harmony. The Cheyenne chapter has a small mix of old-timers who have been singing since time began and newcomers who don't know the songs or even how to read music. No matter what your experience level is, there's room for everyone. Some SPEBSQSA chapters put a lot of hard work into perfecting their music to the point of winning regional and national contests. Most of our members have been there and done that; nowadays our primary goal is to have fun singing. However, if enough people join who are interested in the action and excitement of the contest or performance stage, we can always dust off those tuxedos! |
Looking for an echo? The chorus warms up in the restroom before a singout at Little America |
|
Fellowship Quartet practice their deer-in-the-headlights look during their first public performance |
Having seen a picture of the chorus, you may wonder just how big our "quartet" is. Actually most barbershop groups sing in a chorus, for several reasons - for a fuller sound, as a means of teaching newcomers their part, and to make sure everyone gets to participate. The "quartet" part of the Society name comes from the fact that there are four parts sung together - the lead, who sings melody, and the bass, baritone, and tenor who provide the harmony parts. That said, four members of the chorus do practice together as a separate quartet called Fellowship. The Fellowship Quartet has been together since 2001 learning mostly old gospel songs, and will quickly tell you that there is nothing more thrilling OR terrifying as to be the only person singing your part in front of a crowd of people. | |