History

Barbershop singing was created by ear harmonizers, or "woodshedders," who sang without benefit of printed arrangements. It is largely the old songs because the kinds of melodies that are best adapted to the style are those written in the heyday of Tin Pan Alley, from 1890 to 1920.

Founding

The Charleston Barbershop Chorus first met June 28, 1967 at the First Federal Savings & Loan Association building at 34 Broad Street in Charleston, SC. The first performance for the group was held September 30, 1967 at 8 PM at the Garden Theatre.

Membership

Barbershop Harmony Society
barbershop harmony society
The Charleston Barbershop Chorus is a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, an international organization covering the United States, Europe, and the Far East. Click logo to visit their site.
Dixie District
dixie district
It is also a member of the Dixie District, the Southeast Regional District, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North & South Carolina, and Tennessee. Click logo to visit their site.
Charleston Barbershop Chorus
charleston barbershop chorus
Currently the Charleston Barbershop Chorus consists of approximately 46 members who sing together as one chorus. Some of our members also sing as part of several talented quartets. Click for more info.

Director

kevinKevin Gillett studied at the Andrews University School of Music. He has been a Barbershop Harmony Society member and a registered quartet member for over seven years. He attended several Dixie District sponsored directors' seminars and attended Directors College, which emphasized directing skills, sound management, and production.

Rehearsals

We meet Tuesday evenings 7:00 to 9:30 PM at the Church of the Holy Communion, 218 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC.