Idaho Gateway Chorus

History

The Idaho Gateway Chorus (formerly called Pocatello Sharps & Flats) is a group of men who like to sing a cappella in four part harmony. Founded in 1938 by Owen C. Cash, the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, was legally and historically one of the first of several organizations to promote and preserve barbershop music as an art form. Today it is called the Barbershop Harmony Society. The headquarters recently moved from Wichita, Kansas to Nashville, Tennessee.

General Information

Members with a large range of singing skills get together to learn more about singing, harmonizing, and performing. The group originated in 1970 under the direction of Harold Whistler (deceased) and changed its name in 1995 to Idaho Gateway Chorus. Presently it is under the direction of Mike Lowden (Soundscape). Currently there are about 25 members enrolled in the chorus (Christensen). Ages of the group range from 10yrs old and up and come from all walks of life, with one thing in common ¬¬- they love to sing and perform. The Idaho Gateway Chorus is part of the International Barbershop Society, SPEBSQSA, which arranges and publishes music, tapes, books and videos for members` use. The Society also hosts annual conventions on the district and the international levels. Quartets like Soundscape, Max Q,Vocal Spectrum and a host of others have the opportunity to compete in good fellowship and learn to improve their singing and performance skills (Christensen). There are also competitions for small choruses like the Idaho Gateway Chorus in Pocatello, Idaho, the Carousel Chorus in Rexburg, Idaho and a host of others. There are competitions for larger choruses as well. In the spring of 2007, the Idaho Gateway Chorus placed 1st in the Rocky Mountain District small chorus competition. The group also placed in the RMD during the years 2001-2004 (Harmonet Reporter). The Idaho Gateway Chorus meets weekly on Tuesday evenings at the Central Christian Church located on the corner of eighth and Center Streets, in Pocatello, Idaho from 8:oo to 10:00 to practice songs and learn routines associated with those songs. Usually members arrive early to socialize and sing tags (usually the end measures of a song). There is no religious affiliation associated with the singing group.

Prospective Members

To join the group is simple. First, attend at least three meetings as a guest and try singing with the chorus. Then, when that person feels they are ready, they may audition and apply for membership. Men who are interested in joining the chorus are encouraged to fill out an application. They then will meet privately with the director and be asked to match several musical pitches. They will then be asked to sing a portion of a song or songs rehearsed during the individual’s first three visits. If that person can demonstrate an ability to sing in correct time and on pitch, then they can become a part of the chorus. New members receive music, learning tapes and a special kit from the international office containing a membership certificate, free music, informative booklets and more. Annual membership dues include a subscription to the Society’s official publication, The Harmonizer, and help to finance chapter, district and international operations (Christensen).

Chapter Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for the Pocatello chapter has 10 members: the past and current President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and various other positions.(Christensen).

Interesting Facts

There are over two-hundred and forty-six registered choruses in the United States alone of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (Barbershop Harmony Society). Quartets are formed by four men who each sing a very distinctive part of a song. The Lead , which is the melody part of a song. The Tenor who sings notes above the Lead. The Baritone, who fills in the notes between the Lead and the Bass parts, (also affectionately known as the "garbage part") and last but not least is the Bass. Which is sometimes referred to as the foundation of the group. Some of the best sounds for quartets are found in groups made up of brothers, and their parent. Like the Three Lads and a Dad Quartet (Society). Each of the choruses has the potential to form several individual quartets who strive to create their own unique sound, style and name. Barbershop style music is used in a variety of movies; The Jungle Book (Walt Disney 1967 animated version); Haunted Mansion to name a couple.