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 are based in Nashville, TN.
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, Marketing and PR VP, Program VP, Secretary, Treasurer.
5. Board of Directors: current officers, immediate past president, one board member-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, Community Services, Interchapter Events, Quartet Promotion, Section Leaders, Uniforms.
9. Chapter meets every Tuesday, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. at Loyola High School from September to May and at Christ the King Church from June through August. Both locations in Mankato MN.
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. Ladies Nights and other events as scheduled.
12. Annual Show is held in April or May, with afternoon and evening performances. 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. January - Leadership Academy (formerly COTS)
2. March - Division Contest
3. April - Harmony Month, Annual Show
4. May - District Spring Convention and Contest
5. Summer - 6-7 Sundays singing for church services
6. October - District Fall Convention and Contest
7. November - Annual BOTY Award & Installation Banquet
15. Cost for membership: annual dues of approximately $145 divided between International, District, and local chapter. Student rates are lower.
16. Uniforms: Chapter owns all full dress tux uniforms. Members are expected to purchase their own "casual" uniforms and make a donation to cover (or help cover) the costs of the full dress uniform.
17. Leadership Academy, formerly known as Chapter Officer Training School (COTS): all officers, and music directors are expected to attend at chapter expense.