|
|
|
|
| Home | Current Events | Join Our Group | Chapter Quartets | Your Next Party | Links |
Monmouth Battleground Chorus
Barbershop Harmony Society
Freehold Chapter
Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA)
FOUNDED
The Freehold, NJ Chapter was founded on January 13, 1981 and chartered with 43 members on February 3, 1983 as part of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc., a non-profit male singing organization.
MEMBERSHIP
The group of 26 current members live in Freehold, Jackson, Howell, Colts Neck, Englishtown, Bricktown, Manalapan, Jamesburg and New Egypt. Our members’ occupations are highly diversified and have included physicians, mechanics, salesmen, printers, teachers, lawyers, computer engineers, realtors, entrepreneurs etc. etc. etc.
SERVICE
The Freehold Chapter provides some aid and contributions, both musically and financially, to local and regional service organizations and has presented musical scholarships to local high school students. The chapter has recently designated Camp Quality, a one week summer camp and year-roundsupport group for children with cancer as its primary charity.
ORGANIZATION
The society is divided into 16 geographical districts which are further divided into divisions. Chapters exist in all 50 states, with affiliates in Australia, Canada, England, Scotland and Sweden. The Mid-Atlantic District, which Freehold Chapter is part of, extends from Westchester County, New York to Virginia; and contains 100 Chapters, with approximately 5,000 men. Freehold is part of the Atlantic Division of The Mid-Atlantic District .
CHORUS
“The Monmouth Battleground Chorus”, under the direction of Jack Mitchell, is the basic singing unit of the Freehold Chapter. Chorus contests are held annually at Division, District and International levels. We have been successful at the Division level numerous times and consequently went on to compete at the District level each time.
QUARTETS
Quartets are encouraged to develop within the chapter and we are fortunate to have two distinguished quartets; the “ Out N’ About “ and “ Perfect Alibi “ about whom there is more detailed information elsewhere on our web-site.
SHOW PRODUCTION
Each Spring the Freehold Chapter presents its annual show, which serves as its major fundraising activity. These shows, in addition to including our chorus and chapter quartets, have featured International Chorus champions with top district and international quartets traveling from Florida, Cherry Hill and New York . The Big Apple Chorus, Brothers in Harmony, and the Heart of New Jersey; a Sweet Adelines chapter, have performed in our annual shows. Shows have been held at the Count Basie and Strand theatres in Red Bank and Lakewood New Jersey as well as at local schools.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
In addition to presenting its annual shows, the chorus has appeared in “package shows” throughout the area. These shows offer local and regional organizations an enjoyable way of raising money. The Chorus performs for such groups as The Rotary Club, PTA’s, adult communities, surrounding municipalities, County Fairs, Nursing and Rehabilitation Homes, and local hospitals.
SCHOOLS
The following programs are available to chapter Officers and/or members: Chapter Officers Training Schools (COTS), Mini-Hep School, Harmony College East – Salisbury, Maryland, Harmony College Headquarters – St. Joseph, Missouri. These schools provide programs taught by college professors with degrees in music to assist in raising the level of musical performances. They run from one to seven days and include such topics as music theory, arranging, show production and many others to ensure quality performances and the successful running of a chapter.
To learn more about our group and see our practice schedule Click Here!