The Shoreliner Chorus consists of members of the North Shore
Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet
Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), part of the world's largest men's singing
organization.
One of approximately 800 local units of SPEBSQSA,
North Shore Chapter was chartered in 1945 and is dedicated to encouraging,
promoting, and preserving the traditional American style of four-part vocal harmony known
as barbershop.
Our Mission: North Shore Chapter of SPEBSQSA is a group of men of all ages who enjoy gathering in fellowship to sing in the four-part, a cappella, close harmony style known as barbershop. As we participate in our varied social and musical activities, including both choral and quartet singing, our members can develop their vocal skills and their appreciation of the rich heritage of American song, which we share with our community through performances in a variety of settings.
Our Vision Statement: North Shore Chapter of SPEBSQSA will:
- Provide, to whatever extent possible, organized chorus activities and organized quartet activities at every regular chapter meeting.
- Actively seek public performance opportunities for the chapter chorus.
- Continuously strive to increase its active membership.
- Continuously strive to improve the musical quality of its chorus as a collective unit and the musical ability of its chapter members as individuals.
- Contribute to the cultural panorama of the communities from which our organization draws its membership, thereby:
- Increasing its visibility in the local community and fostering a positive perception of our organization,
- Enhancing public awareness of, and appreciation for, barbershop harmony, and
- Creating opportunities to recruit new members.
Every Wednesday night of the year, North Shore Chapter
members and guests gather at the Presbyterian Home in northwest Evanston to share an
evening of fun, fellowship, and enjoyment of barbershop singing. Members of North
Shore Chapter have ranged from their teens to retirement age and embrace a broad
spectrum of occupations. Our current active membership represents eight North Shore
communities plus the North Side of Chicago.
A few barbershoppers have excellent singing voices--some have even had extensive
musical training--but most are average singers who enjoy blending their voices with other
singers.
President: Paul Mimura -- 847/677-8092
V.P. Membership & Chapter Development: Joseph
Schlesinger -- 847/328-0921
V.P. Music & Performance: Rick Prieto --
847/864-1960
Secretary: Martin Steigman -- 847/675-9223
Treasurer: Edward Price -- 773/334-1419
Immediate Past President: Martin Steigman --
847/675-9223
Alchemy (Contact: Rick Anthoney --
630/637-3307; Web site)
Chordmasters (Contact: Bernie Martin --
847/934-3754; Web site)
Golden Boys (Contact: Bill Gallagher --
847/869-2707)
Hospitality (Contact: Joseph Schlesinger --
847/328-0921; Web site)
North Shore Four (Contact: Joseph Schlesinger --
847/328-0921; Web site)
Replaced Parts (Contact: Herb Nicolai -- 847/827-6417)
Savoir Four (Contact: Dick Bek -- 262/705-5954)
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Shoreliner Chorus rehearsals take up much of the typical weekly chapter
meeting. During rehearsal, we'll review and polish songs in the current chorus repertoire
and learn new songs. As part of chorus rehearsals, our director, Dick Yanow, is constantly
teaching proper singing technique and barbershop craft. Quartet singing is also an
important part of chapter meetings; time is usually allotted for some form of organized
quartet singing. And, of course, members and guests are welcome to stay after the meeting
ends to participate in woodshedding, tag singing, and impromptu harmonizing. There is also
time during chapter meetings for members to socialize and tend to chapter business.
North Shore Chapter presents at least one show or major public event each
year. The annual show is not just a showcase for the chorus to perform selections from its
current repertoire; it's also an opportunity for members and local audiences to hear and
enjoy excellent guest quartets.
The Shoreliner Chorus usually participates in at least one statewide
chorus competition each year. Contests, which are part of the barbershop conventions held
in the spring and fall, provide choruses with an opportunity to show off the artistry they
have achieved while benefiting from feedback from qualified judges. The conventions
themselves are always a good time, where barbershoppers from all over Illinois and
neighboring states congregate to renew friendships, try out new arrangements and tags, and
enjoy the chorus and quartet competitions.
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Barbershop adds just the right touch of musical excitement to any event. The Shoreliner
Chorus and any of our quartets are eager to share their love of music with
audiences of all ages. For more information about hiring a quartet, call the quartet
contacts listed above under "Who Are We?" For more information about hiring the
chorus, call our booking manager,
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Men of junior high school age or older who like to sing are invited to visit the Shoreliner
Chorus/North Shore Chapter of SPEBSQSA (international men's Barbershop Harmony
Society), 7:45 p.m. every Wednesday at Elliott Hall, Presbyterian Home, 3131 Simpson St.
(Golf Rd. between Central Park & Crawford Aves.), Evanston. Click
here for a map to our meeting hall.
No previous experience necessary, no charge to visit, no obligation. For more
information, call
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Every Wednesday evening:
Regular North Shore Chapter Meeting at Elliott Hall, Presbyterian Home, 3131
Simpson St. (Golf Rd. between Central Park and Crawford Aves.), Evanston. Every meeting
night's a guest night--and YOU are invited to visit! (However, since we occasionally meet
at a different location, it's a good idea to call 847/328-0921 in advance.)
Friday, April 15-Sunday, April 17:
Illinois District Spring Convention,
Peoria. Choruses and quartets from Illinois will compete against each other.
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We welcome your constructive comments and input. Feel free to e-mail us at shoreliners@harmonize.ws or . . .
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Incidentally, our snail-mail address is P. O. Box 741, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA.
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Most recent update: October 1, 2004
