WEST SOUND CHORUS
Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” – Plato
West Sound Chorus is the performing chorus of the local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, formally known as the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), Inc.
The chapter organized in 1978 with the aspiration of becoming one of the best men’s singing groups in Western Washington. In keeping with that ideal, the chorus has become a strong contender at division and Evergreen District barbershop competitions held across the Pacific Northwest.
This chorus maintains a very active singing schedule. When not preparing for competition, the group hosts an annual summer show featuring skits and world-class barbershop quartet talent. West Sound Chorus also produces a Christmas show, a program known for highlighting top local talent. But these singers are also active participants at seasonal festivals and corporate functions while providing performances and fundraising assistance to other local charitable organizations. Its active quartets frequently supply the entertainment for public programs, private affairs and special occasions. The foursomes are particularly busy around February 14th when they deliver their traditional singing valentines, but you can hear their dulcet tones at end-of-year holidays too when the sounds of familiar carols are in high demand.
Although West Sound Chorus is well-recognized for its support for local charitable causes, these men also provide manpower and financial backing for fundraising activities within the barbershop community writ large, such as Harmony Foundation, The Bud Leabo Memorial Fund, and Harmony Explosion Camp.
The stated 501(c)(3) non-profit mission of West Sound Chorus is quite simply to promote music education throughout the community. To that end, special effort is made to support local high school choir programs, which might include live performances, monitoring services for vocal competitions, custom educational programming, and financial assistance through grants and fundraising. Furthermore, the chorus traditionally produces its own educational seminar in the form of a full-day, four-part a cappella singing seminar called "Youth in Harmony." The workshop, typically held the Friday immediately preceding its annual summer show, is a free event for all youth.
As for outreach to adults, West Sound Chorus offers the opportunity for men, women, and teens to participate in its "Come Sing with Us!" program during the Christmas Season. Participants develop - or perfect - their 4-part vocal skills in a fun-filled program by singing with chorus members and a host of other enthusiastic performers. Attendees are strongly encouraged to participate in the annual public Christmas Show, sharing the stage with the full chorus. It's a unique opportunity to savor the thrill of a live performance without a huge commitment of personal time. And there is never a cost to the guest singers. So come sing with us for 90 minutes each week beginning in October!
For the gentleman who enjoys singing on a more regular basis, West Sound Chorus encourages attendance at any of its weekly rehearsals. While special guest nights are sponsored during the year, all aspiring male singers are most welcome to sing along at any regular Wednesday evening rehearsal. So men, join the crowd on the risers for fun and good company in a superlative harmonic environment! Ladies are always graciously welcomed as our guests and may even wish to participate with our local partner, the Acapella Soundsations Chorus.
Contact us by email: [email protected] or phone: 360-337-SING and see our Facebook and YouTube links below. Mailing address: PO Box 181, Silverdale, WA 98383-0181.
