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The Orange Empire Chorus is the Fullerton, California Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, an international organization of some 30,000 members headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. The avowed purpose of the society is to perpetuate the musical form and to support music education.

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CONTENTS

The Organization

The Members

Why We Do It

Learn More

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The Organization
[LOGO] The Barbershop Harmony Society was originally known as the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA for short) and that is still the name of the official nonprofit corporation. The Harmony Foundation is the arm of the society that supports music education in a variety of ways.
The society is divided into 16 geographical districts, which in turn are divided into divisions. Chapters of the BHS are chartered and incorporated in their respective areas. Most chapters choose a name for their performing group. The Fullerton Chapter was organized in 1957 and calls itself the Orange Empire Chorus. We are part of the Far Western District, Southeast Division. Divisions and districts hold conventions and contests among their members each year. Winners at the division level compete at the District contest. District winners go on the the international competition. [LOGO]


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The Members
We are men from all walks of life and all ages. Approximately 30% of our 100-or-so members are retired.  The working stiffs include truck drivers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, students, contractors, administrators, teachers, salesman, etc.  In age, we range from early twenties to mid-nineties.   On any given night, dress ranges from shorts or jeans and sneakers to three piece suits.
We live in Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, Long Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Yorba Linda and even some more remote locations.
Our common bond is the pleasure we derive from singing four-part harmony. That does not mean we are all good singers - true, we have our share of trained voices and quality vocal chords, but we also have our share of bath-tub baritones and bar-room tenors.


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Why We Do It
Singing is undeniably an enjoyable and rewarding avocation. It is a proven prescription for combatting stress. It helps you feel good about yourself and those with whom you share this pastime. But beyond this, there are as many reasons to sing barbershop as there are members. Some simply enjoy the camaraderie. Others enjoy performing. Some are into competition. Some get satisfaction from helping keep music education in our school systems.
Whatever the reason, barbershop harmony is a pure music form that provides great pleasure for the participants as well as the listeners.


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Learn More

To satisfy your intellectual curiosity, you can explore these links: To truly understand the barbershop experience, there's only one way: VISIT US

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