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In the spring of 1947 a group of El Paso men concerned with preserving the American art form of a cappella four-part harmony singing, decided to form a chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A) , which had been founded in Tulsa nine years earlier.
With hard work and energetic recruiting, they were able to reach the 20-man minimum needed for a charter. On July 19, 1947 the El Paso chapter came into existence officially. Membership grew rapidly. Several charter members were also Kiwanians who put that club's prestige and influence to good use. The group's sponsor was the Carlsbad , New Mexico chapter.
Two improtant events marked the Border Chorders'
fourth year, 1951. Early in the year they acquired a chorus
director, Dr. John Heiden, whose talent and energy would
steer the singers into a first rate
choral group until his retirement in 1960. The second event was the chapter's
first annual show held in April. During the Society's early
years emphasis was on quartet singing, so A
Parade of Quartets
was born. There followed a gradual trasition to
theme shows
with far more chorus involvement,but always including one or
more big name quartets. In addition to local quartets, groups
from Arizona, California, New Mexico and elsewhere in Texas
were invited to appear. To date,many
International Champion Quartets
have made appearances
on EL Paso chapter shows since 1951 click and see.
In 1953 the chapter made its first appearance on the national
scene when a local quartet,
The Desertaires,
qualified to sing in that years International Contest held
in Detroit. In 1962 and again in 1964 the Border Chorders
chorus won the Southwestern District contest to qualify
for International. They placed third in 1962 and in 1964
became International Champions
In the 51 years of its existence, the chorus has had only 11 directors -gifted, dedicated men who have consistently emphasized quality singing. This insistence on singing skills is manifested at every rehearsal where basic voice training is given. Basic voice skills are the foundation of good barbershop singing, as they are in every other genre of voiced music. S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. contest judging is heavly weighted toward sound quality and precision.
Through the years the group has participated in contests at
the District and Division levels. We have competed at
Southwestern District 14 times since 1964, and have
competed at numerous Division I contests since 1982. In 2000 we
were voted most improved chorus. In fact here we are at Division
in Midland.
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IF YOU WOULD LIKE SHOW INFORMATION.
COMMING GUEST QUARTETS
May 7, 2005
Fiurth-Place Champs METROPOLIS
May 6, 2006
Not Yet Selected
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