West Sound Chorus

“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”  – Plato

West Sound Chorus is the performing chorus of the local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, formerly known as the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), Inc.

The chapter organized in 1978 with the aspiration of becoming one of the best men’s singing groups in Western Washington. In keeping with that ideal, the chorus has become a strong contender at Evergreen District barbershop competitions, a geographic territory that spans from Oregon to Alaska and from Montana to British Columbia.  West Sound took the first-place title for small choruses in 2024.

This chorus maintains a very active singing schedule. When not preparing for competition, the group two annual shows featuring skits and world-class barbershop quartet talent.  The Christmas program is renowned for highlighting top local talent.  But WSC singers are also active participants at seasonal festivals and corporate functions while providing performances and fundraising assistance to other local charitable organizations.  Its active quartets frequently supply entertainment for public programs, private affairs and special occasions. The foursomes are particularly busy around February 14th when they deliver their traditional singing valentines, but their dulcet tones are heard at end-of-year holidays too when the sounds of familiar carols are in high demand.

Although West Sound Chorus is well-recognized for its support for local charitable causes, these men also provide manpower and financial backing for fundraising activities within the barbershop community writ large, such as Harmony Foundation, The Bud Leabo Memorial Fund, and Harmony Explosion Camp.

The stated 501(c)(3) non-profit mission of West Sound Chorus is quite simply to promote music education throughout the community. To that end, special effort is made to support local high school choir programs, which might include live performances, monitoring services for vocal competitions, custom educational programming, and financial assistance through grants and fundraising. When possible, the chorus produces its own educational workshops.

For outreach to adults, West Sound Chorus offers men, women, and teens an opportunity to participate in its "Come Sing with Us!" program during the Christmas Season. Participants develop - or perfect - their 4-part vocal skills in a fun-filled program by singing with chorus members and a host of other enthusiastic performers.  Attendees are subsequently encouraged to participate in the annual public Christmas Show, sharing the stage with the full chorus.  It's a unique opportunity to savor the thrill of a live performance without a huge commitment of personal time.  And there is never a cost to guest singers.  Come sing with us for 90 minutes each week beginning in October!

For the gentleman who enjoys singing on a more regular basis, West Sound Chorus encourages attendance at any of its weekly rehearsals.  While special guest nights are sponsored during the year, all aspiring male singers are most welcome to sing along with us at any regular Wednesday evening rehearsal.  Join the crowd on the risers for fun and good company in a superlative harmonic environment!  Ladies are always graciously welcomed as our guests and may even wish to participate with our local women's barbershop program, the Acapella Soundsations Chorus.

Rehearsals run from 7:00 - 10:00 pm every Wednesday evening at City Chapel of Bremerton located at 1250 Lincoln Avenue. (Parking is available off Chester Avenue with entry into the building from the eastside ground floor.)