Idaho Gateway Chorus

The Idaho Gateway Chorus (formerly called Pocatello Sharps & Flats) is a group of men who like to sing a cappella in four part barbershop harmony. Founded in 1938 by Owen C. Cash, SPEBSQSA 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 Kenosha, Wisconsin 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, Vocal Mischief 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 Thursday evenings at the Pine Ridge Mall, in Chubbuck, Idaho from 8:00 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.
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).

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