Mankato Riverblenders History
Chapter Handbook

Chapter Handbook

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. The Barbershop Harmony Society, formerly SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of BarberShop Quartet Singing in America ) includes chapters in the US and Canada . It was organized in 1938, and now includes about 30,000 members in about 800 chapters, organized into 16 districts. The headquarters is based in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
2. The Land O'Lakes District (LOL) consists of Wisconsin , Michigan 's upper peninsula, Minnesota , North Dakota , Manitoba , Saskatchewan , and western Ontario .
3. The Southwest Division has chapters in Albert Lea, Eau Claire, Faribault, Harmony, La Crosse, Lakeville, Leroy, Mankato, Murray County, Rochester, Windom, Winona, and Worthington
4. Chapter Officers: President, Membership VP, Music VP, Program VP, Secretary, Treasurer.
5. Board of Directors: current officers, immediate past president, three directors-at-large.
6. Board of Directors meets the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to all members.
7. Standing committees: Annual Show, Music, Nominating, BOTY
8. Appointed positions: Chairmen of standing committees, Chorus Manager, Librarian, Bulletin Editor, Historian, Delegate to District Conventions, Public Relations, Community Services, Interchapter Events, Quartet Promotion, Section Leaders, Uniforms.
9. Chapter meets every Tuesday, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at Loyola High School , Mankato .
10. Chapter music activities: annual show, Division and District Contests, paid and non-paid performances (including church services on 5-6 summer Sundays). Chapter typically performs 30-40 times a year.
11. Chapter social activities: Annual Banquet: BOTY Award, installation of officers held in November or early December. Cook-out and Picnic: family social time sharing a dish to pass and good conversation. This event is held at various locations. L adies Nights and other events as scheduled.
12. Annual Show is held in April, with afternoon and evening performances at East High School . Chorus selection of 6-8 songs usually fitting a theme (see history section) with one or two guest quartets.
13. Weekly chapter bulletin updates on this website, LOL District bulletin is The Pitchpiper. Society publication is The Harmonizer.
14. Typical calendar of events:
1. March - Division Contest
2. April - Harmony Month, Annual Show
3. May - District Spring Convention and Contest
4. Summer - 6-7 Sundays singing for church services
5. October - District Fall Convention and Contest
6. November - Annual BOTY Award & Installation Banquet
15. Cost for membership: annual dues of approximately $100 divided between International, District, and local chapter
16. Uniforms: Chapter owns all uniforms except wind-breaker.
17. Chapter Officer Training School (COTS): all officers, bulletin editor, and music directors are expected to attend District COTS at chapter expense.